Deputy Governor, Claude Ramsey says, "Change is going to be here. It gives us hope, it gives us opportunity, and I just want to say to everybody take advantage of it."
Teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math all in one building is Hamilton County's latest initiative.
The STEM school's hub, right here in Chattanooga, gives students a different perspective on education.
"It's not the traditional school. They push you to do your very best and really try. And it opens up so many doors for the future that you don't get at a traditional school."
Students, like 14 year old Melissa Meece who are looking to focus on certain subjects.. Like science.
"These 14 year olds took a leap of faith to leave that home neighborhood, that safe community and come to a new experience here at the STEM school," says Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith.
Officials predict there will be an additional 14,000STEM jobs in our area by 2018.
That's why business owners, like AREA 203, are stepping up.
Doug Freeman, President of AREA203 says, "We really are intent on hiring locally and finding that talent here in Chattanooga. We are growing at a record pace so quite honestly we also need the employees into our business so we're really excited about what STEM is bringing here locally."
The Chattanooga based company donated a $100,000 check to the school on Monday.
That's 1/5th of what the school system needs to draw down a $2M state grant.
"You can't talk about economic development or growth without talking about education. It's as fundamental as that," says Ramsey.
