THEC Announces New Round of GIVE Grants to Assist Rural Workforce Development

Media Contact
Jessie Greene
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Press Release

NASHVILLE, TN - August 28, 2024 - The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is pleased to announce the latest round of Governor's Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) grants to help prioritize learning opportunities in rural counties and enhances career and technical education statewide.

These grants, part of Governor Bill Lee's initiative to strengthen the state's workforce, will allocate $41 million to foster regional partnerships between Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), community colleges, and local industries.

"The state with the workers will win every time, and that's why workforce development has been one of my top priorities since day one," said Governor Lee. "As a result, companies are choosing to invest and expand in our state, creating greater opportunity and quality of life for all Tennesseans."

The GIVE program is designed to address skills gaps in Tennessee's workforce by supporting the development of career pathways that connect secondary education, postsecondary institutions, and local employers.

Grants of up to $2 million are awarded to collaborative efforts that create or expand academic programs, develop work-based learning experiences, or provide industry-recognized certifications in areas of high demand. This initiative not only aims to meet the current needs of employers but also to stimulate economic growth by ensuring that Tennessee's education system is aligned with workforce requirements.

"The GIVE grants represent a significant step forward in our mission to bridge the skills gap in Tennessee's workforce," said Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. "By fostering collaboration between educational institutions and local industries, we are not only creating pathways for students in rural and at-risk counties but also ensuring that our state remains competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. This investment underscores Tennessee's commitment to aligning education with the needs of today's employers, driving both economic growth and opportunity across our state."

The third round of GIVE grants will fund 23 projects statewide. The 23 funded projects will impact 47 counties, including 6 economically distressed and 13 at-risk counties.

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The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly. The Commission develops, implements, evaluates postsecondary education policies and programs in Tennessee while coordinating the state's systems of higher education, and is relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential.