The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville will receive a $5.7 million Drive to 55 Capacity Fund Grant to be used for a training facility in Anderson County, state officials said Thursday.
The grant was announced by Tennessee Senator Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican; Representative John Ragan, an Oak Ridge Republican; and Representative Dennis Powers, a Jacksboro Republican after they were notified by Governor Bill Haslam and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, or THEC.
“It is critical that we prepare our students with the skills they need for 21st century jobs,” said McNally, who as Finance Committee Chairman has supported the Drive to 55 Capacity grants. “This grant not only aids us in that effort, but also helps us bring new jobs to Tennessee as businesses are looking for a skilled workforce. I am very pleased that these funds will be coming to Anderson County.”
“This is an opportunity for the citizens of Anderson County to get the education and training they need to make a better life for themselves, their families, and community,” Ragan said.
“A skilled and ready workforce is essential to bringing new and better paying jobs to our state,” Powers said. “We appreciate Governor Haslam’s and THEC’s help in bringing this grant home to serve students in this region.”
According to THEC, $24.3 million was awarded to 10 colleges and universities. All projects seeking funding were required to demonstrate a need for building capacity to respond to student enrollment and statewide workforce demands.
Proposals were reviewed by a team of readers from across state government, including the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and the University of Tennessee system.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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