Governor Bill Lee tests his skills with a virtual welder at Tennessee College of Applied Technology.

Governor Bill Lee was at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Jackson, TN to award the GIVE Grant of $927,580 to The Jackson-Madison County Manufacturing Alliance: An Educational Pathway to Success under the oversight of TCAT. The funds will be used in a partnership between the Jackson Chamber, the Jackson-Madison County School System, Jackson State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, University of Tennessee at Martin, Stanley Black & Decker, TBDN TENNESSEE COMPANY, Delta Faucet Company and ReNew BioMedical Services.

These funds will enhance and expand the Jackson-Madison County Manufacturing Alliance educational pathway for high school students to have dual college enrollment to earn certificates and gain hands-on training and attain associate degrees to bachelor degrees.

JSCC will receive funding for equipment and JMCSS will receive funds to build the Jackson-Madison County School System workforce development center which will be located at Jackson Central-Merry Early College High.