Advocacy Toolkit:
Tennessee Lottery Scholarships |
This summer, we partnered with two organizations to create resources for coalition members to understand the lottery scholarship shortfall and its potential impact on postsecondary attainment. ThinkTennessee created a research report, Tennessee’s Postsecondary Scholarship System at a Crossroads: Understanding the Funding Gap. Tennessee College Access & Success Network created a series of one-pagers, each including a series of facts and the story of a lottery scholarship recipient and the impact the funding has had on their lives. Click the buttons below to read and share these resources!
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Please Give Your Input by August 31!
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The TN Department of Human Services is partnering with Third Sector to gain insights into the available supportive services for low-income adults with at least one dependent under 18 (low-income student parents) who are interested in pursuing post-secondary education. They are hoping to identify programs that currently exist, gaps in available services, and opportunities to strengthen the wrap-around supports to help these students enroll, persist, and complete their degrees. If your organization serves similar populations, please click the button below and complete before August 31, 2026.
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Tennessee Releases Guidelines for Workforce Pell |
The new federal Workforce Pell program rolled out to states on July 1, expanding Pell Grant eligibility to short-term training programs that prepare students for in-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers. The program helps lower cost barriers for students pursuing quick, employer-aligned pathways into the workforce.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission have launched the state's Workforce Pell application portal, where institutions can review requirements and submit eligible programs for state approval. Click the button below to visit the site.
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Program Spotlight: Blue Horizon |
BlueHorizon is a registered apprenticeship program created by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) and Chattanooga State Community College. Students work in paid customer service roles at BCBST while completing an associate degree in Health Sciences from Chattanooga State. The first cohort of students began their program in June 2026 with a second 50-student cohort set to begin in January 2027 — a cycle that will repeat every year.
And the program doesn't stop there! A new articulation agreement between Chattanooga State and East Tennessee State University now guarantees BlueHorizon apprentices can transfer seamlessly to ETSU to pursue a bachelor's degree in Professional Development after finishing their associate degree, giving students a clear pathway from apprenticeship to bachelor's degree.
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Regional Convenings July 2026 |
We went on the road in July and hosted regional convenings across the state in Stanton, Nashville, and Maryville. In addition to meaningful discussion and networking, we shared information around Workforce Pell, lottery scholarships, and childcare legislation. Click below for the slide deck!
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Got something for the next newsletter? |
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Click the button below to submit content for the next newsletter! Suggested topics include but are not limited to:
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| - Coalition member/organization spotlight
- News article for The Scoop on Skills section
- Event announcements
- Your organization's job postings relevant to coalition members
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| Questions?
lherrell@nashvillechamber.com
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