For years, WRCB Local 3 News has supported UTC students through the Local 3 WRCB TV Scholarship in Communications and the Local 3 WRCB TV Annual Marketing & Professional Sales Scholarship. The scholarships reflect a long-standing partnership focused on preparing students for successful careers while strengthening connections between UTC and the Chattanooga community.
“It’s a long-standing partnership that predates me for sure,” said Callie Starnes, president and general manager of WRCB Local 3 News. “The station has had a lot of connections to UTC over the years. We’ve hired many UTC graduates.”
The communications scholarship supports students pursuing careers in media, journalism and public relations. More recently, WRCB shifted its business-focused scholarship to support students in UTC’s John “Art” Phillips Sales Institute, reflecting the station’s growing involvement with the program.
Beyond scholarships, WRCB sponsors the Sales Institute and offers paid internships in its news and sales departments. Several UTC students have gained hands-on experience through those opportunities, with some joining the station full-time after graduation.
“I think part of our job as broadcasters is to ensure that we are well connected to our community,” Starnes said. “A lot of that has to do with also being connected to local students … inspiring the next generation of broadcasters and media leaders.”
Starnes said UTC students consistently stand out for their preparation and professionalism.
“We see students come out of the communications department prepared and ready to go into the industry,” she said. “We also see an incredible amount of work happening within the Sales Institute that is unique …”
As UTC students pursue careers in media, marketing and sales, support from community partners like WRCB Local 3 creates opportunities beyond the classroom while strengthening the region’s workforce.
