Cleveland State Community College was recently awarded a $450,000 grant through the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) program. The college will initiate ACT Now: Apprenticeships in Careers and Trades. The program expands the successful Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing Systems (MEPS) dual enrollment program started in Meigs and Monroe counties with the GIVE 2.0 grant.
Partnering with school systems in Bradley, Polk, and McMinn counties, Cleveland State will give students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and certification in high-demand trades such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical engineering while still in high school. This dual enrollment program benefits students by providing them with valuable skills and qualifications, making them job-ready immediately after graduation. The program also addresses local workforce needs by creating a pipeline of trained professionals in essential skilled trades.
“We are proud that Governor Lee has awarded the GIVE Grant to Cleveland State and the area
school systems that have partnered with us,” said Dr. Andy White, President. “This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing career and technical educational opportunities in our five-county service area. The grant will expand opportunities for area students and benefit employers and the regional economy.”
The GIVE program was established by Governor Bill Lee in 2019; it is designed to address skills gaps in Tennessee's workforce by supporting the development of career pathways that connect
postsecondary institutions with local K-12 school systems and local employers. In announcing the new round of GIVE Grants, Gov. Lee said, “The state with the workers will win every time, and that’s why workforce development has been one of my top priorities since day one. As a result, companies are choosing to invest and expand in our state, creating greater opportunity and quality of life for all Tennesseans.”
This is the third round of GIVE grants; Cleveland State has been awarded grants each round. In
2019, the college was awarded GIVE 1.0 funds for the Advanced Technologies Institute, which
allowed the college to enhance student's educational experiences. In 2021, two MEP programs were established in Monroe, Polk and Meigs counties with GIVE 2.0 funds. This GIVE 3.0 grant continues the momentum by engaging with K-12 students and parents, providing externships for instructors, and expanding community and industry connections that promote technical career exploration.
“I am thrilled that we have been awarded the grant for our GIVE 3.0 initiative, ACT Now,” said
Jason Taylor, Advanced Technologies instructor and GIVE Grant Coordinator. “This achievement would not have been possible without the support and partnership of our education and industry partners. We are excited about the opportunities this funding will bring our students and our community.”