Powerful Partnerships: How Lane College is Driving Workforce Development in Jackson, TN

Jeff Adkins

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving workforce demands, the importance of strategic partnerships between educational institutions and industry stakeholders can’t be overstated. 

Lane College is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Jackson. The institution has been at the forefront of such collaborations, paving the way for economic development and fostering a skilled workforce for the future. 

The Future of Pharmacy Care 

One standout partnership is the collaboration between Lane College, CVS Health and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, culminating in the Workforce Innovation and Talent Center (WITC) opening. The facility is a state-of-the-art training hub to bridge the gap between real-world experiences and classroom lessons. Lane College is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, which has a partnership with CVS to improve health outcomes among the church’s primarily Black membership. 

“We learned about CVS’ work in developing Workforce Innovation and Talent Centers, and that really piqued our interest. We discovered we could partner with CVS to offer training toward becoming a pharmacy technician, which aligns with the work we’re already doing in chemistry and natural and physical sciences,” says Logan Hampton, president of Lane College. 

Jeff Adkins

The WITC simulates an actual CVS store. It has a pharmacy, registers, shelves with products, a clean room for compounding, smartboards and spaces for students’ laptops. 

“Students learn the hands-on of how to be a pharmacy technician, and the coursework prepares them for the national exam that they can take to become a certified pharmacy tech,” says Melanie Van Stry, professor of biology and chair of the Division of Natural and Physical Science at Lane College. “They can get the credential, go to work at CVS and continue their education to become a pharmacist or in another career field.” 

Energizing the Workforce  

Another noteworthy initiative is the $6K for 6K Scholars scholarship program. The program was established in partnership with 6K Energy, a manufacturer of lithium-ion battery material. Recipients receive a $6,000 scholarship for each of their sophomore, junior and senior years of college. Lane was chosen for the partnership because of its strong STEM program in the Division of Natural and Physical Science. 

By providing scholarships and financial support, the company empowers Lane College scholars to focus on their studies and unleash their full potential without undue financial burdens. 

6K Energy

“The scholarship helps alleviate the worry about loans or not having enough to pay off the rest of my balance,” says Amashia Mabone, recipient of the 6K Energy scholarship and student at Lane College. “The scholarship also gives me the opportunity to work with the company in an internship, and when I graduate, I have the option to pursue a career with the company. However, even if I choose not to, there is still this experience on my resume.” 

That workforce pipeline is a major goal of the program, says Amy Carter, human resources business partner at 6K Energy. 

“Strengthening the workforce in advanced manufacturing is a huge part of the program. We spend a lot of time with Lane creating opportunities and pathways to careers in the industry,” Carter says. “Beyond the financial investment, we offer an internship and community engagement opportunities. Then, after graduation, it’s our hope that our scholars become members of our team, specifically at our facility in Jackson.” 

Lane College: An Anchor Institution for Community Growth

Additionally, Lane College has forged a strategic partnership with the FBI Collegiate Academy, housed within the Memphis field office. This collaboration offers Lane College students a unique opportunity to participate in specialized programs and gain insights into law enforcement, cybersecurity and national security domains. The program not only broadens students’ horizons but also fosters a deeper understanding of critical issues facing their community and prepares them for diverse career pathways and leadership roles. 

“We’re an integral part of this community, and we’re an anchor institution that provides training and education to a population of students that is often underserved and underrepresented,” Hampton says. “We’ve found that if you lift that population and make them stronger, it strengthens the entire community and makes the community more livable and more sustainable.”