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NASHVILLE, TN— State Rep. Kelly Keisling, R- Byrdstown, and Sen. Mark Pody, R-Lebanon, today announced Clay County Schools will receive a $50,000 Perkins Reserve Grant to expand career and technical education.
The Tennessee Department of Education on Wednesday announced the US Department of Education has approved the state’s plan, Strengthening Career and Technical Education in Tennessee, which will provide $110 million over four years in federal funds to implement CTE at the K-12 and postsecondary levels in Tennessee. The department also announced more than $3 million in Perkins Reserve Grants to 44 school districts for the 2020-21 school year.
“This grant will expand work-based opportunities for highly-skilled, in-demand jobs for our future workforce,” Keisling said. “I appreciate the Tennessee Department of Education’s commitment to CTE and for making this possible for Clay County students.”
The Perkins Reserve Grant (PRG) is a competitive grant opportunity. It was redesigned under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education in Tennessee State plan to help foster local innovation and support implementation of CTE programs.
“Tennessee has a growing need for skilled workers. Thanks to these grants, our students have the unique opportunity to learn from the latest and greatest technology in their fields and prepare themselves for a bright future. With access to more current technology, Clay County graduates are not only prepared to enter the workforce, but a step ahead of their peers,” Pody said.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education in Tennessee Plan expands equitable access to comprehensive CTE across the education to workforce pipeline, including in the early and middle grades, increases participation in high-quality and aligned career pathways and work-based learning experiences, and supports the attainment of relevant certificates, credentials, and/or degrees needed to meet the workforce demands of Tennessee.
"Every student deserves the opportunity to graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful, whatever pathway they choose. Tennessee’s Perkins V Plan will help our districts and education leaders expand access to high quality learning experiences for more students, like work-based learning, STEM programming, and opportunities to earn certifications and credentials even before graduating,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “By strengthening CTE in Tennessee, we are not only investing in our students—we are preparing the future workforce of our state.”
To reach State Representative Kelly Keisling, call 615-741-6853 or email him at rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov. Connect with Kelly on Twitter and Facebook.