TN CC Perkins Grants

Eleven Tennessee Community Colleges and Colleges of Applied Technology are receiving grants totaling $4,777,312 to boost career and technical education (CTE) programs, through the federal Perkins Grant program. TN CC Perkins Grants. The newest round of Perkins READI (Reimagine Engage And Develop for Innovation) Grants have been awarded to the following institutions following a competitive application process by the Tennessee Board of Regents:

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Dickson, $500,000
• TCAT Elizabethton, $440,271
• TCAT Hartsville, $500,000
• TCAT Jacksboro, $499,218
• TCAT McMinnville, $500,000
• TCAT Murfreesboro, $420,000
• TCAT Upper Cumberland, $450,023
• Chattanooga State Community College, $288,000
• Dyersburg State Community College, $396,000
• Northeast State Community College, $500,700
• Southwest TN Community College, $283,100

The colleges will use the funds in support of career and technical education (CTE) programs to help students build valuable in-demand careers and support Tennessee’s workforce. Programs supported by this round of READI grants include automotive, diesel and electric vehicle technologies; digital graphic design and graphic arts; electrical and plumbing technologies; emergency medical services; funeral services; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration; industrial maintenance; machine tool technology; massage therapy; mechatronics technology; medical assisting; nursing, and welding technology.

Potential students may contact any Tennessee Community College or Tennessee College of Applied Technology for more information.

Funds Awarded

Perkins funds are awarded by the federal government under provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, as amended by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act of 2018.

Colleges were given an opportunity to apply for READI grants for these purposes: purchasing equipment for training to help get students “READI” for future careers; engaging high school students in college-credit opportunities such as dual enrollment programs and in exposing them to innovative CTE programs; high-quality professional development for CTE faculty and staff, and other purposes allowed under the Perkins Act.

“We’re proud of the high quality of the career and technical education training programs across our system, and we’re grateful for the federal Perkins Act funding that helps support them,” said Dr. Flora W. Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. “The colleges’ applications for the latest round of Perkins funding were all excellent and I look forward to seeing how the funding makes a difference in the lives of students and their communities.”

The new grants are the second round of Perkins READI grants this year. Six community and technical colleges were awarded a total of $2.7 million. For equipment and instructor professional development for similar career and technical education programs.