Bridging the Gap: STS Students Experience the World of Marketing & Communications Through KQ Communications Partnership
Kenneth Worles, Director of Creative Services at KQ Communications showing students what its like to be in his role.
At STS Enterprise, preparing students for the workforce means creating opportunities that move learning beyond the classroom and into real-world experiences. Through our Bridging the Gap Initiative, students are not only discovering career pathways but also stepping directly into them.
One of the latest examples of this mission in action came through an incredible partnership with KQ Communications, one of Memphis’ premier marketing, communications, and public relations firms.
Students interested in careers in marketing, communications, branding, media, and public relations were invited to visit KQ Communications for an immersive, hands-on industry experience that gave them a true glimpse into the fast-paced world of professional communications.
From the moment students arrived, the energy in the room was undeniable.
Real-World Learning Meets Real-World Expectations
Rather than simply observing, students were challenged to become professionals.
The students were divided into three teams and tasked with simulating a real client project focused on creating a Memphis Grizzlies Game Day promotional campaign.
Each team played a critical role in the project:
Design Team: Created the official promotional game-day T-shirt concept
Marketing & Promotion Team: Developed strategies to market and promote the campaign
Social Media Team: Designed social media content and engagement ideas to support the launch
The experience allowed students to apply classroom knowledge in a professional environment while learning the importance of collaboration, communication, creativity, deadlines, and teamwork.
The atmosphere quickly became competitive, energetic, and inspiring as students worked together to complete their assignments and present their ideas.
More importantly, they began to see themselves in these careers.
One student excitedly shared:
“This experience was awesome. Can we send the Grizzlies our T-shirt? Because we’re ready to work for them!”
Another student reflected on the deeper lessons learned during the experience:
“This experience let us see what it’s like to work for a real firm and how communication and timelines are important and how it takes a true team effort.”
A Partnership Creating Lasting Impact
STS extends a heartfelt thank-you to Mrs. Renee Malone, CEO of KQ Communications, for investing in our students by personally visiting with them, offering words of encouragement, and opening the doors of KQ Communications to the next generation of leaders.
We also thank the talented KQ Communications leaders ( Kenneth Worles, Kirstin Cheers, and Shelby Hamilton) who dedicated their time, expertise, and energy to creating an unforgettable experience for our students.
KQ Communications leaders shared that they genuinely enjoyed welcoming the students into their workspace and appreciated the opportunity to help empower the next generation of marketing, PR, and communications professionals.
This partnership demonstrates what is possible when businesses and educational organizations come together with a shared commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development.
Helping Students Move From “I Think I Can” to “I Know I Can”
STS CEO/President Jeremy Calhoun emphasized the significance of experiences like these in helping students confidently identify their future career pathways.
“This Bridging the Gap experience is a critical and crucial piece in helping students identify their career pathways with confidence and optimism. These students had a chance to share what they wanted to do, and by having a willing partner like KQ Communications give them a real project and real experience, it became a game changer.”
He continued:
“This helps a student go from, ‘I think I can do it,’ to ‘I know I can do it.’ From, ‘I think I want to become this,’ to ‘I know I want to become this.’ It was simply because we had a partner willing to provide young people in Memphis with an experience that empowered them and reminded them that Memphis has a place for them in its workforce ecosystem.”
Building Workforce-Ready Students Through Opportunity
At STS, we believe exposure creates confidence, and experiences create clarity.
By connecting students with industry leaders and real-world opportunities, the Bridging the Gap Initiative continues to prepare students not only for college and careers but also for leadership, innovation, and long-term success.
This is how we help students become Day One Ready for the Workforce.
This is how we empower the next generation.
And this is what happens when Memphis comes together to invest in its future.
Thank you, KQ Communications, for helping our students dream bigger, think bolder, and believe deeper in what is possible.
