The 2026 RISE Educator Externship Program is here!
Scheduled for June 1-5, the Educator Externship Program connects educators with local industries and supports workforce development. Educators who participate in the program come from the RISE counties: Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty and Screven.
During the week educators embed with local manufacturing and logistics companies to learn directly about job opportunities in high-demand fields. Host companies in 2025 included Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, Cardinal Glass Industries, JCB, Sewon America, Claxton Poultry, SNF Holding Company and JTEKT.
“I think that all educators should experience an externship like this because we are the bridge. Having this experience allows us to gain more knowledge, to share all the different opportunities and give students the exposure they need to go right into the workforce and out into the communities.” – Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools STEAM Thematic Specialist Dr. Miriam Bennett
The week concludes with a graduation ceremony where participants share presentations about the companies they visit and how they plan to incorporate the experience into their classrooms, counseling sessions and career readiness programs.
By equipping educators with firsthand industry insight, the Educator Externship Program helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world workforce needs. Participants return to their schools with a deeper understanding of local career opportunities, enabling them to better guide students toward in-demand careers and strengthen the talent pipeline across the RISE region.
The participating educators receive a $1,000 stipend. Two educators from each RISE county are selected to participate which is made possible through the generous support of Georgia Power.
“Georgia Power is committed to partnering with local communities to build a better Georgia for all. RISE exemplifies regional leadership by focusing on and maximizing workforce development opportunities in collaboration with educational partners, industry and the business community to achieve success. The RISE Educator Externship is a great opportunity to expose teachers to the skilled jobs and industry partners who need the next generation of students for the high demand high wage careers in our region.” – Georgia Power Savannah Area Manager Mickey Daniell
This year, RISE is offering the opportunity for school districts to sponsor two additional educators to be selected for the program. The cost for the additional two will be the responsibility of the school district.
Educators who are interested in participating should contact their appropriate Teacher Externship coordinator by Friday, April 24.
Please contact RISE Program Manager Jennifer Collins, jcollins@risesavannah.com, with any questions regarding the externship program.