Education Department Awards More than $500 Million in Career Readiness Grants

Grants fund programs at middle and high schools designed to help students prepare for college and careers

The Tennessee Department of Education has announced the award of $560 million in grants across 182 sites to fund "Innovative School Models" designed to prepare students for a future after K-12 education.

“Tennessee’s excitement for the Innovative School Models initiative continues to grow across our education institutions and local industries,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Thank you to our school districts for their hard work and dedication to creating innovative programs to boost student achievement and workforce readiness, and now, all state investment to support this work has been awarded.”

Through a statewide application process, grant recipients received $1 million per high school, $500,000 per middle school, and $200,000 per school serving less than 100 students. Combination schools, or schools that serve both middle and high school aged students, were awarded $1 million each, and $500,000 was awarded to those that serve elementary and middle school aged students. 

School system leaders welcomed the grants and suggested they offer opportunities to enhance the overall student experience.

“Expanding career horizons and exposing students to CTE opportunities at an earlier age can be instrumental in helping students prepare for in-demand careers that may have been otherwise difficult to access,” said Dr. Olivia Bagby, Future Ready Students Director, Hamilton County Schools. “As a district leader, I am thrilled to see such a significant investment being made in our schools, so that students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in life after high school. This historic investment represents a bright future for our students and community.”

Photo byScott GrahamonUnsplash