What’s Right With Our Schools, BASF Chattanooga and Chatt State host annual TECH Academy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — BASF Chattanooga and Chattanooga State Community College are teaming up once again for the annual TECH Academy program — a free, week-long summer camp that gives high school juniors and seniors real-world exposure to careers in trades like welding, electrician work, and manufacturing.

Now in its sixth year in Chattanooga and tenth overall, the program continues to grow in reach and impact.

“This is day one of our TECH Academy program. This is our sixth year hosting the TECH Academy here in Chattanooga,” said Brittany Davis, Operations and Program Manager. “On the first day, we’re doing a lab that corresponds with our afternoon visit to Tennessee American Water. So far, the students have really been enjoying themselves.”

And it’s more than just a fun week of hands-on learning — it’s a chance for students to gain a better understanding of career paths they may never have considered.

“So, like I said, I wasn’t really informed in this,” admitted student Izzy Smith. “So this is a great opportunity for me to discover if I do want to go into this pathway in the future.”

Through a mix of lab sessions, industry tours, and expert instruction, the program helps teens narrow down what they might want — or not want — to pursue after graduation.

“What we want is our students to explore early what path they’re interested in — or not interested in,” explained Breanne Kintz, Work-Based Learning Coordinator. “I think that’s a huge part of it. It’s very informative, too.”

For some students like Sawyer Hammonds, it’s about building on what they already love.

“I’ve worked with electronics for a while, and I’ve still already learned something in there,” he said. “We were learning about electricity and stuff. It’s very educational. The people teaching us are experts in their fields. So, it’s a great opportunity to get knowledge that you won’t get anywhere else.”

Teachers are just as excited about what the students are getting from the experience.

“These students have decided to give up a week of their summer, where they could be going to the pool or doing other things, and they’ve chosen to do something that could possibly lead them to a career,” said Jackie Myers, a Hamilton County high school teacher.

“We get to go to these industries, and they get to actually ask questions,” Myers added. “Things like, how did you get started? Did you need a degree? What are the different job possibilities in your company? I don’t think any of us realize how many different roles exist in large industries — there are just so many moving parts that go into producing something.”

Even for students still figuring things out, the TECH Academy helps put possibilities into perspective.

“It gives you samples of everything,” said Izzy Smith. “So, this is like one of your opportunities to figure out what you really want to do in the future.”

And while there’s plenty of technical learning happening, the atmosphere remains encouraging and collaborative.

“There are really great people,” Izzy added. “We’re learning about light, like currents and different ways to generate electricity. We haven’t learned that much yet, but I’m really excited for the stuff that’s coming up.”

The program’s foundation is built on a national model, with Chattanooga being the second BASF location to launch TECH Academy after its original site in Geismar, Louisiana.

Brittany Davis emphasized the program’s legacy, saying, “Though this is our sixth year in Chattanooga, it’s actually the tenth year that BASF has hosted this program overall.”

At the end of the day, the opportunity isn’t lost on students like Sawyer.

“I just want to thank everybody for letting me come here and have this experience,” he said.

For many, the TECH Academy is more than just a camp — it’s the first step toward a future they may not have imagined possible.