Guest speakers fired up a roomful of tomorrow’s teachers, doctors and engineers by offering them tips on joining the workforce.

“Don’t make excuses; make a difference,” former state of Oklahoma Sen. Kevin Matthews said during Monday’s launch of the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s fifth annual NEXTGEN-Tulsa's Next Generation of Talent initiative.

Along with Justin McLaughlin, Chamber executive vice president and chief operating officer, Matthews spoke during a morning session that introduced the group to the NEXTGEN program, which pairs Black high school students with local companies and provides three weeks of career exploration and experiential learning.

Its aim is to retain diverse talent for the Tulsa region and assist companies in expanding their diverse talent pipeline.

This year’s NEXTGEN cohort, spearheaded by Rue Ramsey, the Chamber’s vice president of workforce and talent strategies, features a record 36 externs and a six-member executive leadership team. A total of 18 local employers are participating. The event was presented by Helmerich & Payne and Williams.

Laying a foundation of great expectations, Matthews reminded the audience that Tulsa has been the home of actress Alfre Woodward, the late NBA player Wayman Tisdale and Charlie Wilson, of Gap Band fame.

“We have the most talented young people in the world,” said Matthews, one of the co-creators of NEXTGEN. “We are tired of them going to college, leaving and not coming back.

“You can be the next CEO. You can be the next mayor, like (Tulsa) Mayor (Monroe) Nichols…Every person in this room is a future leader.”

McLaughlin offered students many life lessons, encouraging them to, among other things, read, be punctual and curious.

“We need your talent here in Tulsa,” he said. “If you want to get a higher-ed degree, a technical degree or go out of state, we want you to come back to Tulsa.

“There is a place for you. You’re wanted here. That’s one of the things this business community speaks to.”

Also on Monday, students took part in a business etiquette luncheon, a team-building session and a panel discussion.

NEXTGEN concludes with Celebration Day on June 18.