Ben Sterling

AI + The Workforce of Tomorrow with Dr. Stephen Streiffer of Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL)

June 2nd, 2025  |  38 mins 29 secs

In this installment of At Scale, tnAchieves sits down with Dr. Stephen Streiffer, Director of the Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL). ORNL serves as a massive economic and scientific driver for the Southeastern US and is making significant gains with artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will impact the future of Tennessee (and the nation's) workforce. Dr. Streiffer shares insights into how someone can pursue a career at ORNL, what skills business/industry are looking for when hiring and how he sees AI influencing the workforce of tomorrow.

Ensuring a Healthy National Talent Pipeline with College Promise

May 19th, 2025  |  47 mins 1 sec

college access, college affordability, college promise, community building, higher ed, post-secondary attainment, technical education, tennessee, tuition-free college, workforce, workforce development

In this episode, Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling talk with Dr. Martha Kanter, CEO Emerita of College Promise and former U.S. Under Secretary of Education, and Rosye Cloud, Interim CEO of College Promise. They explore how College Promise expands access to high-quality post-secondary opportunities for all students. The conversation highlights the movement’s role in strengthening America’s talent pipeline.

Connecting Education to Employment with SCORE President & CEO David Mansouri

May 5th, 2025  |  42 mins 5 secs

college access, college affordability, college promise, community building, higher ed, post-secondary attainment, technical education, tennessee, tuition-free college, workforce, workforce development

In Episode 2 of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, SCORE President & CEO David Mansouri discusses how aligning education with workforce needs can drive long-term success for Tennessee students and the state’s economy. The conversation highlights the power of collaboration, data-driven decision making, and cross-sector partnerships in transforming student outcomes. Mansouri and tnAchieves explore how intentional connections between education and employment prepare students for meaningful careers.

We're All On The Same Team with Dr. Jon Rysewyk and Dr. Anthony Wise

April 21st, 2025  |  49 mins 57 secs

college access, college affordability, college promise, community building, higher ed, post-secondary attainment, technical education, tennessee, tuition-free college, workforce, workforce development

In the first episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, hosts Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling welcome two visionary leaders in education: Dr. Jon Rysewyk, Superintendent of Knox County Schools, and Dr. Anthony Wise, President of Pellissippi State Community College.