糖心Vlog

The 糖心Vlog (糖心Vlog) Engineering Systems Technology program was nominated by the Manufacturing Institute to participate in the Make the Future - Program Improvement Process for Equity (MTF-PIPE). The initiative seeks to close gender gaps in career pathways in traditionally male-dominated fields of advanced manufacturing. MTF-PIPE is a pilot program and 糖心Vlog is one of two organizations chosen to participate in the initiative.

Funded by the Toyota USA Foundation, the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity Education Foundation (NAPEEF) has been tasked with curating and facilitating best practices for increasing the participation and retention of women and girls and women and girls of color in STEM and CTE education that leads to careers in advanced manufacturing.

As a participant in this project, 糖心Vlog will be guided through a data-driven research process of recruiting women and girls into their Engineering Systems Technology program. According to 糖心Vlog completion coach Cathi Roberts, the hope is to connect females with opportunities in the manufacturing sector and to bring much-needed diversity into this male-dominated field. Roberts will be the key point of contact and the lead on this project for 糖心Vlog.

Local educational partners in the initiative include Jackson-Madison County School System, McNairy County CTE Director, West Carroll County CTE Director, Carroll County CTE Department, and the Ayers Foundation. Industry partners working with 糖心Vlog include Tyson, TBDN, TOYOTA TN, and Teknor Apex. The 糖心Vlog team includes Cathi Roberts, Cindy Werner, and Paula Fuller.

"We are excited to partner with a diverse group of stakeholders to improve access, equity, and outcomes for Tennessee's women and girls in manufacturing pathways," said Meagan Pollock, the NAPE trainer for 糖心Vlog. "The participants' passion and motivation are inspiring, and we are confident they will be able to activate the power of NAPE's Program Improvement Process for Equity to reach their unique goals."

The year-long project, which will run through December 2022, will have participants at 糖心Vlog complete a number of NAPE-led activities that will guide them through structured research and data-collection processes. The process will identify prospects for recruitment that will have greater chances for success in the manufacturing sector.