Industry Programming is aligned to the National Career Clusters Framework. Every week children experience a new segment of the wheel and have hands-on interactive and immersive learning, exposing them to the skills required to enter these types of jobs. If children understand their strengths and interests, they will be more likely to enter roles where they can find their true calling, not just a job that pays the bills.

Children loved learning from Auburn University’s Risk Management and Safety Department!!

Safety and Health leaders Jonathan Haney and Jessica Covington brought decades of real-world experience in fire prevention, emergency planning, and community safety. During their visit, students learned how fires start, how to recognize common household hazards, and—most importantly—how to respond safely in an emergency.

The greatest highlight was a hands-on fire extinguisher experience using a Bullex simulator, providing each child the opportunity to practice in a safe, controlled environment and build confidence.

Drew Haley Smith visited TigerWings on 8/12, where she taught the children about creating designs and how buildings are constructed. They learned firsthand what an Architect does and the certifications and training required to go into this field. Drew Haley is a 2023 graduate from Auburn University with dual degrees in Architecture and Interior Architecture. In less than a year, she completed all ARE and AXP requirements, making her the youngest female architect in the United States at the time.

Taylor Campbell shared her passion for big machines during a visit to TigerWings in September! She shared career options with the children, showcased her local customers, and talked about her life as a Recruiter!

Emma Raynor and Megan Moore visited TigerWings on October 1st. The children learned how almost all goods are transported at some point by a forklift. Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, designs, engineers, manufactures, sells and services a comprehensive line of lift trucks, aftermarket parts and technology and energy solutions.

Alabama Power visited TigerWings on August 20th. Children learned first hand what a Lineworker does, how power trucks work, and the critical role electricity plays in our communities.

Leonelle Thompson joined TigerWings virtually on August 21st. She taught the children about solar energy, natural gas, the types of jobs available at Williams Energy, and about her job in the Legal Department. Leonelle has two decades of experience in various industries including oil and gas, corporate recruiting, and higher education leadership.

Interactive learning at its finest! Children experienced a station where they could take orders, a nugget station where they boxed their own nuggets, and learned how headsets work to receive orders. Children tried on aprons, gloves, and hairnets too! Children then learn the story behind how Chick-fil-A started, the cow, and hospitality + Chick-fil-A language — “my pleasure!”

Greg Kebe took the helm as General Manager of Moore’s Mill Club in Auburn in July of 2005. In 2021, Greg partnered with Nick Ciza and Blake Cleveland to open Rocco's Chicken Joint in Auburn. Named after Greg’s beloved dog, Rocco's is a family-friendly spot specializing in perfectly cooked chicken fingers, burgers, wings, and more. Children loved meeting Rocco, learning how Greg created the menu, and which menu items are the most popular!

Auburn Public Library visited TigerWings on September 17th! Children learned how library cards work, how libraries are funded, and received first hand insights into the community outreach and events hosted by the Library.

Sadie Mason is a Nurse Practitioner at Signify Health who joined TigerWings on September 23rd. The children learned how to conduct CPR, interacted with the tools Nurses use on the job, and discovered career paths to go into Nursing.

Bradley L. Young, MD is an Orthopedic Sports Medicine specialist who visited TigerWings on September 24th. The children loved learning about bones and joints + the skills and training required in order to become a Physician.

Jonathan visited TigerWings on October 2nd and taught the children how to make a rhythm, play the trombone and keyboard, and unlocked the power music can make in our lives. Jonathan Hendrix is the COO of Spicer's Music.

Sabra Rochell visited TigerWings on October 8th. She taught the children about working at Auburn University, the various careers available at Auburn, and how her team engages Alumni around the globe. Sabra is the Director of Advancement Experiences at Auburn University, where she has helped lead the Events and Experiences Team for the past three years. In this role, Sabra and the Events and Experiences team have executed strategic engagement initiatives that elevate the university’s advancement efforts, fostering meaningful connections with alumni, donors, and stakeholders.

MK Malone is a Sophomore distance runner at Auburn University. She visited TigerWings on 10/22 to share the intense training and discipline required to become a collegiate athlete.

Tyler Spielman, Cayden Pope, Logan Reilly, and Coach Johnson of the AU Men's Golf Team visited TigerWings on November 3rd! They shared about the passion you must have for the game in order to fully commit to it, thoughts on the transition from High School to College, and how you truly can do anything you set your mind to!

Sam Rochell is a Poultry Scientist and Professor who visited TigerWings on 10/28. He taught all about poultry, the process of laying eggs and incubation, and shared about job opportunities in Agriculture.

David Barranco is a mission-driven entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience across manufacturing, consulting, and financial services. In 2004, he co-founded Barranco Enterprises, Inc. with his brothers to raise the standard in food and beverage equipment installation and maintenance. Barranco is known for speed, precision, and integrity. David leads with purpose: grounded in faith, committed to people, and focused on legacy. He believes that strong relationships and servant leadership drive lasting impact. David is also a devoted husband to April and father of three.

“If you save your money and you invest it, that money can actually earn you more money, without having to do more push ups, jumping jacks, or high fives.” - Linda Stewart

“Look at your right hand. Think about what you are really good at and know that you are really smart on this one thing. Now look at your left hand, then GIVE it to somebody else. Something I’m good at, now give it away!”

- Dana Pate, Owner of SweetFrog Auburn

TigerWings children loved learning from Jade Bruce of the Auburn University RFID Lab! They were fascinated by the applications of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) — the same technology used by major companies like Amazon, Target, and Delta Air Lines to track products, luggage, inventory, and even pets!

Our K–5 Career Explorers learned:
✨ How RFID tags use radio waves to send information
✨ The difference between a tag, a reader, and a database
✨ How companies use RFID to speed up checkout, manage warehouses, and improve customer experiences
✨ Why RFID matters for future careers in technology, logistics, retail, and engineering

Students even completed hands-on activities where they “tracked” objects using mock RFID tags—experiencing how faster, smarter systems keep businesses running smoothly.

AGX SiteWorx visited TigerWings on December 16th. Our children loved learning all about how these trucks operate on work sites and the skills needed to manage projects, operate equipment, and how to build an impactful career in construction!

This week at TigerWings, our students became junior city planners, learning how store sales and city taxes work together to fund schools, parks, and youth programs.

From hands-on budgeting activities to creating mini city maps, our children discovered how retail helps their community. On 12/12, children met Mayor Anders and heard firsthand about his family's history in retail within the Auburn community. They loved learning about Mayor Anders core job responsibilities, public service, and the skills required to be successful in his role.

Many thanks to our guests Neil Shorthouse, Richard Gerakitis, Anna Hovey, IOM for joining us for a special day of learning!