In Sumner County, high school students are embarking on a unique educational initiative that aims to prepare them for success in the business world. This groundbreaking program is a partnership between the local school district and Amazon, which provides students with corporate-level certification and leadership skills that will be valuable both now and in the future.
At Merrol Hyde Magnet School, juniors and seniors are putting classroom lessons into practice as they work towards their Lean Six Sigma certification. Gina Cruz, a junior at Merrol Hyde, highlighted the focus on practical skills such as eliminating waste and improving processes, which are essential components of the curriculum.
Amazon specialists have played an active role in this partnership by equipping Sumner County teachers with the tools needed to mentor students in the principles of Lean Six Sigma. Courtney Givens, a business teacher at Merrol Hyde, has successfully integrated these teachings into her curriculum, with a 99% pass rate for her first batch of students certified as yellow belts.
Mabel Shelton, a program manager at Amazon and an alumna of Merrol Hyde, emphasized the broader benefits of the program. She noted that it not only enhances employability but also fosters consumer awareness and personal development. Shelton played a key role in connecting Amazon’s resources with the school’s educational goals.
With over 130 students across Sumner County Schools already earning their Lean Six Sigma certification, they are now equipped to explore a wide range of career paths with a competitive advantage provided by their newfound skills.
