Both were students at Central High School. Both began in the program’s CNA pathway. And although their journeys after the program did not look exactly the same, both continued moving toward careers in healthcare.

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As of August, Amelia and MacKenzie are graduates of the practical nursing program at Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis. Hire Local 901 originally began by helping adults connect to healthcare training and employment, but soon recognized that young people also needed an earlier on-ramp into healthcare careers. Career Launch Academy was created to help students explore the field, gain foundational experience, and begin building a pathway forward.

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Amelia and MacKenzie’s story shows why that early access matters. Career journeys are not always linear, but the right starting point can continue opening doors years later.

We are proud of these two nurses and grateful to TCAT Memphis for helping them take the next step toward their goal of becoming registered nurses.