City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) The City of Talladega recently welcomed 16 new high school interns via its CareerLIFE partnership, which helps cultivate success in students and retain local talent. Of the 16, several interns are 2023 graduates who plan to attend college in the fall. 

Interns include Takiyah Keith-Whitfield, Austin Coleman, Jordan Barclay, Trevor Dyer, Nyla Smith, Cortaeja Stamps, Torry Twyman, Justasia Woodruff, Zoey Embry, Messiah Shelborn, Landon Baird, Malaysia Kennedy, Jaylon Cunningham, Justin Wilson, Christiana Dunn and Jamya Chatman. 

“Our interns are gaining valuable skills that will serve them well in college and in the workplace,” said City Manager Seddrick Hill Sr.  “Over 30 new businesses have opened in Talladega in the past year. In order to thrive, it is essential that businesses secure employees who know how to conduct themselves in the workplace. Through our internship program, the city is expanding the pool of talented prospective employees who can help grow local businesses.”

“The city is applying for workplace development grants and establishing partnerships in order to strengthen our workforce, enhance the overall quality of life in our community and continue restoring pride in Talladega,” he added. 

The CareerLIFE program, which was founded by Calvin Littlejohn and Andre Lee, prepares students through a learn-by-doing approach for careers in city government that will benefit society.

Interns work in various city offices, learn how local government functions, and conduct a community service project. They have many opportunities to interact with diverse community leaders during the internship. Recently, they honed their networking skills during a gathering with city employees. 

Photo caption (left to right): Community Appearance Director Derrick Pointer, Human Resources Director Tannah Falkner, Thai Fowell, Internship Coordinator Nikki Baker, Takiyah Keith-Whitfield, Austin Coleman, Jordan Barclay, Trevor Dyer, Nyla Smith, Cortaeja Stamps, Torry Twyman, Public Works Director Karen Phillips, Justasia Woodruff, CareerLIFE Director Prentiss Sumerall, Zoey Embry, Messiah Shelborn, Landon Baird, Malaysia Kennedy, Purchasing Director Renae Blackburn, Parks and Recreation Director Summer Ammons, CareerLIFE Co-founder Calvin Littlejohn, Main Street Executive Director Cathy Roehrig and CareerLIFE Co-founder Andre Lee.