Hartselle City Schools hosted a ribbon cutting for Tiger Launch September 6. The program was announced early June, and is in the first semester.

Tiger Launch is a career readiness program that prepares students for careers after graduation. The program partners with local industries to provide students with paid experience. Jeff Hyche is the career tech instructional planner for Hartselle City Schools, and said the program has been successful. “Our ultimate goal is for every student that comes out of Hartselle High School to be career ready,” Hyche said.

Jacob Dutton is one of the 19 students participating in the Tiger Launch program, and said he looks forward to it each day. Prior to taking part in the Tiger Launch program, Dutton was participating in a co-op program. He was going to drop out of co-op when the counselor recommended Tiger Launch. “The second I joined I was in love. I love this job,” Dutton said.

Richard Long oversees the Sonoco portion of Tiger Launch and says the program mimics others throughout the company. “Seeing it come to life has been great. Teaching our kids is good for our company or any that they choose to work for in the future,” Long said.