SPEAKERS PROGRAM
• The Speakers Program, designed to provide early career exposure to middle grade students, included 50 speakers during the year and reached over 2600 students. Collaborations with middle schools and area business professionals make this program highly successful.
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TN SCHOLARS PROGRAM
BOB LUNA, CHAIR
• The Tennessee Scholars Program encourages 8th grade students to enter high school with the goal of becoming a TN Scholar thereby allowing for better college and career preparedness. Students must maintain a“ C” average or above, complete 80 hours of community service, have 95 % attendance rate, and have no out of school suspensions. The numbers of scholars increased by 22 % in the 2015-2016 school year. The Highland Economic Partnership provides 8th grade and 9th grade students; and provides the TN Scholars medallions and a TN Scholar diploma seal for successful high school seniors meeting all requirements.
PATHWAYS TO PROSPERITY PROGRAM
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING PATHWAYS; ADAM BERNHARDT AND BECKY HULL, CO-CHAIRS.
HEALTH SCIENCE PATHWAYS; KAREN WEAVER AND MYRA WEST, CO-CHAIRS
• The goal of this program, launched by Harvard’ s Graduate School of Education and Jobs for the Future, is to improve the education attainment level and job readiness of the future workforce by enhancing training, education, skill development and providing students with work based learning opportunities. The program entered its 4th year with Advanced Manufacturing and Health Science Pathways generating a growing pipeline of students being prepared for careers in these sectors. Advanced manufacturing pathways was introduced to approximately 1700 7th grade students through career awareness initiatives and career exposure modules. Academic and career awareness expanded with 1700 8th grade students prior to their high school program of study selection. Mechatronics programs launched in 5 high schools in January 2016. The pipeline of students in the spring semester totaled 112 and grew to 251 students in the fall semester 2016, a 124 % increase.
UPPER CUMBERLAND TENNESSEE RECONNECT
TOM BREWER, CHAIR
• Upper Cumberland Reconnect Community( UCTRC) launched in March, 2016 with a goal to reach 400 adults with some college but no degree and to grow a high quality workforce pipeline. By the end of 2016, UCTRC advisors served over 770 adults, 109 adults were enrolled in post-secondary education, and the first Reconnector graduated in December. Continued partnerships with businesses and communities ensured the development of our citizens who would be enrolling in 2017.