by Jon Styf
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s office announced $41 million in grants to 23 projects to invest in vocational education in rural counties.
The Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education grants, capped at $2 million apiece, are intended to expand regional partnerships between Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, community colleges and local industries.
“The state with the workers will win every time, and that’s why workforce development has been one of my top priorities since day one,” Lee said in a press release. “As a result, companies are choosing to invest and expand in our state, creating greater opportunity and quality of life for all Tennesseans.”
The $2 million grants went to TCATs in Hartsville, Hohenwald, Jackboro, McMinnville, Morristown, Northwest, Oneida and a pair of Knoxville projects.
Other $2 million grants went to Dyersburg State Community College, Nashville State Community College and a pair of projects at Motlow State Community College.
Walters State Community College received a pair of nearly $2 million grants while TCAT Nashville received more than $1.8 million, TCAT Memphis and Northeast State Community College received $1.9 million and Pellissippi State Community College received nearly $2 million.
“The GIVE grants represent a significant step forward in our mission to bridge the skills gap in Tennessee’s workforce,” said Tennessee Higher Education Commission Executive Director Steven Gentile. “By fostering collaboration between educational institutions and local industries, we are not only creating pathways for students in rural and at-risk counties but also ensuring that our state remains competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. This investment underscores Tennessee’s commitment to aligning education with the needs of today’s employers, driving both economic growth and opportunity across our state.”
Cleveland State Community College and Roane State Community College received $450,000 while TCAT Pulaski received $1.3 million in grant funds and Southwest Tennessee Community College received $1.5 million.
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Jon Styf is an award-winning editor and reporter at The Center Square, who has worked in Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida and Michigan in local newsrooms over the past 20 years, working for Shaw Media, Hearst and several other companies.
Photo “Gov. Bill Lee at Rural Opportunity Summit” by Gov. Bill Lee.
I am all in favor of TCAT. In fact I was part of a vocal group that encouraged the opening of the educational center in Portland. HOWEVER, I find it disturbing that the governor can dish out grants of any sort on a whim. The General Assemble should restrict the distribution of such discretionary funds. I am fed up with elected and unelected bureaucrats doling out hard earned tax dollars.