From Crayons to Careers: Launching 'Oh, the Places You Could Work!' at Northeast Elementary School

The Highlands Economic Partnership kicked off an exciting initiative at Northeast Elementary School in Putnam County with the launch of "Oh, the Places You Could Work!", a creative and educational coloring book designed to introduce K-2 students to the many career opportunities available in the Highlands region. Written in a style reminiscent of Dr. Seuss and presented as a color-by-number activity, this book offers a fun and engaging way for young students to explore the possibilities of their future. This was the first of many stops on our journey to distribute the book to over 10,000 students across the Upper Cumberland—for free!

A Day of Learning and Fun

The launch event at Northeast Elementary was a vibrant day filled with reading, coloring, and imagining the future. We were thrilled to be joined by some incredible guests, including:

• Amy New, CEO & President of Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce

• Adam Poe, Vice President of the Highlands Economic Partnership

• Lisa & Dave Uhrik, owners of Plenty Downtown Bookshop

• Jay Albrecht, owner of Seven Senses

• Corby King, Putnam County Director of Schools

• Diana Wood, Putnam County Elementary Supervisor

• Natalie Saxon, Membership Manager of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce

• Audrie Garton, Program Coordinator of the Highlands Economic Partnership

  
  

Together, several pages from the coloring book were read, sparking conversations about the various industries in our region and the potential career paths students could one day pursue. The kindergarteners had a blast coloring their pages, and we loved seeing their creativity come to life!

A Partnership for the Future

Our partnership with Plenty Downtown Bookshop adds an extra layer of excitement to this initiative. Students who complete their "Oh, the Places You Could Work!" coloring books can turn them in at Plenty and receive a FREE kids' book as a reward! This partnership not only encourages creativity and learning but also promotes a love for reading—a key building block for future success.

Empowering Families to Dream Big

At the end of the coloring book, there’s a special section where students can draw or write what they want to be when they grow up. This is more than just an art project—it's an opportunity for students to envision their futures. We’ve also included a place for guardians to sign, committing to continue fostering meaningful conversations about pursuing a career that brings joy and fulfillment.

The Mission Behind the Book

"Oh, the Places You Could Work!" is more than just a fun activity. It’s a tool to plant the seeds of innovation and passion in our youngest students, sparking an interest in the diverse career opportunities available right here in the Highlands region. By featuring local businesses and industry clusters, we aim to inspire young minds to dream big about their future careers and the paths they can take. This initiative is a crucial first step in the Highlands Economic Partnership’s mission to help shape and drive the workforce of tomorrow, starting with today’s students.

What’s Next?

This is just the beginning! Our goal is to distribute the "Oh, the Places You Could Work!" coloring book to all K-2 students across the Upper Cumberland. Keep an eye on Highlands Happenings as we continue our journey, stopping at more schools and sparking imaginations along the way.

We can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us—and where it will take the next generation of innovators, creators, and leaders.