Eleven community colleges and colleges of applied technology in Tennessee have been awarded a total of $4,777,312 through the federal Perkins Grant program. These grants aim to enhance career and technical education (CTE) programs. The recipients were selected through a competitive application process overseen by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
The institutions receiving the Perkins READI (Reimagine Engage And Develop for Innovation) Grants include Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson, TCAT Elizabethton, TCAT Hartsville, TCAT Jacksboro, TCAT McMinnville, TCAT Murfreesboro, TCAT Upper Cumberland, Chattanooga State Community College, Dyersburg State Community College, Northeast State Community College, and Southwest TN Community College. The grants range from approximately $283,100 to $500,700 per institution.
Latest TN News
The funds will support various CTE programs such as automotive, diesel and electric vehicle technologies, digital graphic design, electrical and plumbing technologies, emergency medical services, funeral services, HVAC & refrigeration, industrial maintenance, machine tool technology, massage therapy, mechatronics technology, medical assisting, nursing, and welding technology. Interested students can learn more by contacting any Tennessee Community College or Tennessee College of Applied Technology.
The Perkins funds are awarded by the federal government under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, which was amended by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act of 2018. The grants are intended for purchasing equipment, engaging high school students, providing professional development for faculty, and other purposes allowed under the Perkins Act.
Dr. Flora W. Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, expressed pride in the quality of the CTE programs across the system and gratitude for the federal funding that supports them. She highlighted the excellence of the colleges’ applications for the latest round of funding.
This marks the second round of Perkins READI grants this year, following a previous allocation of $2.7 million to six community and technical colleges in February for similar programs.
For more information on Perkins Grants, visit the Tennessee Board of Regents website. The College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, serves approximately 140,000 students across 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology, and the TN eCampus.
Source: Read Original Release
Tennessee’s Record High Graduation Rates
The Tennessee Department of Education reported a record-high statewide graduation rate of 92.1% for the 2023-24 school year, surpassing the previous year’s 90.6%. This achievement is attributed to the efforts of district leaders, educators, and families. Notable successes include several districts achieving over a 99% graduation rate, and significant improvements were seen in 78 districts, with the English learners group showing a 12 percentage point increase. Enhanced academic programs are being implemented to further support student success. More detailed information is available on the department’s Data Downloads webpage.