Six local school districts awarded TN Perkins Reserve Grants for CTE expansion

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) has awarded more than $2.6 million to school systems across the state to expand their Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and courses.

According to a news release on Wednesday from the TDOE, the Perkins Reserve Grant (PRG) funds were given to 55 school districts for the 2024-25 school year.

The release states the funding aims to support programs “aligned with emerging technology in regionally identified high-skill, high-wage, and/or in-demand occupations or industries, implement STEM in all CTE classrooms, and increase supports for special education students.”

The grants are also designed to support school districts in rural areas and keep high CTE student participation rates, according to the TDOE.

“Career and technical education plays an important role in every student’s academic journey,” said Commissioner of Education Lizzette Reynolds. “We look forward to seeing how districts utilize these grant funds to implement STEM curriculum, create career exploration opportunities for elementary and middle school students, and inform students on growing and new careers.”

This year’s grant recipients submitted applications that included “action steps,” which would support the TDOE’s plan of Strengthening Career and Technical Education in Tennessee.

A list of school systems around the Tri-Cities region that were awarded can be found below:

• Bristol City Schools – $50,000
• Hawkins County Schools – $25,000
• Johnson City Schools – $50,000
• Johnson County Schools – $50,000
• Sullivan County Schools – $50,000
• Washington County Schools – $50,000

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