NASHVILLE — Genesys Works Nashville announced AllianceBernstein, Barge Design Solutions, Gresham Smith, and Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. (SSR) as its inaugural corporate partners. The organization plans to launch its first cohort of paid high school internships in August 2026.

Genesys Works Nashville aims to place 25 high school seniors in paid internships during the 2026–2027 school year. These interns will complete eight weeks of technical and professional skills training in summer 2026, working 20 hours per week throughout their senior year. Genesys Works will act as the employer of record, managing logistics, training, payroll administration, and continuous support for the program.

The partner companies operate within the financial services and architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors. Dr. Darren Kennedy, Executive Director of Genesys Works Nashville, said in a statement, "Nashville's employer community has shown up in a big way for our first cohort, and these founding partners are setting the standard for what's possible when companies invest in local talent." He added, "We're inviting more companies to join us and benefit from our interns' valuable contributions to their teams, doing real work that has real impact."

Karl Sprules, Chief Operating Officer at AllianceBernstein, stated, "At AllianceBernstein, we believe deeply in the value of investing in our local, emerging talent." He said, "Partnerships like this help individuals uncover their strengths and accelerate their career paths, while enabling employers to build stronger talent pipelines. This ultimately strengthens Nashville's workforce – both now and in the future."

Carrie Stokes, CEO and President at Barge Design Solutions, stated, "Investing in career awareness and workforce development is vital for our communities." She added, "The AEC industry plays a critical role in shaping the places where people live, work, and connect, and we need the next generation to understand both the opportunity and responsibility that comes with that work. Our partnership with Genesys Works allows us to engage students early to build understanding, interest, and a stronger pipeline of future professionals."

Rodney Chester, CEO and Board Chair at Gresham Smith, said, "For many young people it's not a matter of ability or desire, but they just need to be exposed to what exciting career opportunities are available." He added, "At Gresham Smith, we believe investing in the communities where we work and live includes investing in future professionals while they are still in high school. There is a growing need for more architects and engineers in our industry, and one way to help close that gap is by introducing students to these career paths earlier. Creating healthy, thriving communities starts with creating meaningful opportunities for the people within them."

Susan Osterberg, CEO and President of Smith Seckman Reid, stated, "We're excited to partner with Genesys Works because it allows us to introduce students to the design and engineering profession at an early and influential stage." She said, "By welcoming Genesys Works students into SSR, we're helping them build technical, professional, and critical-thinking skills while also demystifying what a career in design and engineering can look like. The industry faces ongoing challenges related to workforce readiness and future capacity, and early exposure is key."

Genesys Works is a national nonprofit focused on creating pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities. The organization has previously served over 14,000 young professionals in eight cities through its programs.