Blount County Schools and Alcoa City Schools will each receive $50,000 grants for their Career and Technical Education programs as the state continues to focus on workforce readiness.
The Tennessee Department of Education announced Wednesday that 58 school districts would receive a combined $2.6 million in Perkins Reserve Grant funds for the 2026-27 school year to support CTE statewide.
This year’s PRG grant award recipients submitted grant applications outlining action steps to support the department’s FutureReadyTN state plan — supported by the department’s four pillars of Credentials of Value, Seamless Transitions, Individualized Advising, and Work-Based Learning. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in an evolving economy. View the full list of grant award recipients.
“Our mission is to provide every student with the knowledge and skills necessary for success after graduation, whether they pursue college, enter the workforce, or serve in the military,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education in a release. “We are excited to see districts use these grant funds to create engaging career exploration programs for elementary and middle school students and to inspire them in emerging and expanding career fields.”
The PRG is a competitive grant opportunity made possible by the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, passed in 2018, which provides annual federal funding to support CTE programs nationwide.
“Having a strong community and economy starts in our schools,” Jessica Belitz, Workforce Development director for the Blount Partnership said. “Perkins funding helps give students real-world skills, valuable credentials, and a clearer path to success after graduation. This investment benefits not only our students, but also the businesses and industries that depend on a skilled workforce. They can use it for equipment, curriculum, hands-on experiences, staffing or certification needs.”
Tennessee students continue to demonstrate strong academic gains and postsecondary readiness as strategic state investments in public education deliver measurable results across the state. Tennessee has invested over $560 million in Innovative School Model grants, designed to eliminate structural barriers between K-12 classrooms and the workforce by expanding early postsecondary opportunities, work-based learning, and industry certifications for middle and high school students.
PELL PROGRAM
Also on Wednesday, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced the launch of the federal Workforce Pell program in Tennessee. This federal initiative provides support for short-term workforce training.
Workforce Pell expands federal Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term training programs that prepare students for in-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers.
“The Workforce Pell program represents a significant step forward in expanding educational opportunity and workforce readiness for Tennesseans,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. “By supporting high-quality, short-term credential programs that are closely aligned with employer demand, we can help more students earn valuable skills, enter rewarding careers, and contribute to Tennessee’s continued economic success.”
The state has launched the Workforce Pell application portal. Higher education institutions will be able to visit the state’s Workforce Pell application portal to review program requirements and submit training programs for state approval.