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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It may be summer, but for several Mid-South teens it was also a great day to celebrate.

The Workforce Investment Network held its first Earn and Learn Summer Youth Experience graduation at the Teacher’s Learning Academy Thursday.

It marked the end of a two month course in which students between 15 and 21-years old trained to earn their IT certification.

They also got a paycheck with some getting paid up to $13 an hour.

Nineteen participants successfully completed the certification process.

“The goal here is to become a more tech-hire city,” said Kevin Woods. “We want to make sure we introduce our young people to IT and this particular career field.”

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell each congratulated the graduates at Thursday’s ceremony.

The students have another week to go before their training is complete.
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