Governor Bill Lee visits visits with a high school student in the LOOP program with Jackson-Madison County Schools.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the project recipients of the GIVE Grant recently. These projects will receive funding through the Governor’s Investment in Vocation Education (GIVE) program, which set aside $25 million from the governor’s budget earlier this year. The grant prioritizes learning opportunities in rural counties and enhances career and technical education statewide.

“We are proud to work with the General Assembly to pass the GIVE initiative and expand career and technical education for Tennessee students,” said Lee. “These funds directly support our workforce development efforts in distressed and at-risk counties and are a key component of our strategy to prioritize rural Tennessee.”

“Jackson Chamber is grateful to the education and industry partners that continue to work together for the betterment of our workforce,” said Jackson Chamber’s Vice President of Talent Development Vicki Bunch. “The GIVE grant will allow Jackson-Madison County Schools to expand their Local Options and Opportunities Program (LOOP), which will allow more high school students to gain work experience, while finishing their high school degree. The advanced manufacturing pathway from high school to college, Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), Jackson State Community College (JSCC) and University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) will benefit both students and our manufacturing community. I appreciate Governor Lee recognizing the importance of vocational education.”

Requirements for each proposal included showing local data that identified both workforce needs and a sustainable plan utilizing equipment, work-based learning experiences, or recognizing industry certifications to increase the state’s competitiveness and postsecondary attainment goals.

The Jackson-Madison County Manufacturing Alliance: An Educational Pathway to Success will receive a GIVE Grant of $927,580 under the oversight of Tennessee College of Applied Technology. 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.

For more information, connect with Vicki Bunch by email at vbunch@jacksontn.com or by phone at 731-423-2200.