Landon Stewart and Elijah Anderson are the 2025 recipients of the Nokian Tyres Scholarship, part of the company’s growing initiative to support education in Rhea County and Southeast Tennessee, home to its North American tire factory. Stewart plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering in his hometown.
“I’d love to make an impact on the future of Dayton,” Stewart said. “It will be great to get my degree [in my hometown], plus have my support system. My family has always supported me, and teachers and coaches pushed me hard to get me to where I am today.”
Both Stewart and Anderson, a future mechanical engineering student at Milligan College, are part of a broader group of local students benefiting from Nokian Tyres’ workforce development programs. These efforts include scholarships, internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning partnerships with local schools and colleges, Nokian said.
Nokian Tyres Scholarship Helps to Build Workforce Roots in Southeast Tennessee
“It is vital for us to be an active member of the Southeast Tennessee community,” said Nokian Tyres Human Resources Director Blake Markham. “That means building strong roots here, supporting schools and students as they strive for success.”
Nokian Tyres said its scholarship supports high-achieving Rhea County High School students who plan to pursue STEM-related careers. Dozens of students have also participated in the company’s work experience programs.
Apprenticeship and Internship Programs
Nokian Tyres also collaborates with colleges like UT-Chattanooga, Chattanooga State, Bryan College, and Cleveland State. Through its apprenticeship program with Cleveland State, second-year students work alongside mentors, preparing for employment upon graduation.
“Nokian Tyres is one of the career options I’m considering,” said Anderson. “Them giving to the community like this is great. This definitely influences me to think about them.”
