Expert Committee To Help Select and Advise Grant Recipients
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) has announced the launch of the Future Forward Innovation Grant — a new initiative aimed at fostering innovative education-to-work pathways across the state. The grant will provide up to $75,000 plus strategic consulting and fellowship opportunities to support the design and launch of programs that connect students with high-demand, high-wage careers. Applications will be accepted through April 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Grantees will be announced in mid-May.
The Future Forward Innovation Grant builds upon SCORE’s mission to catalyze transformative change in Tennessee education by bridging the gap between education and opportunity. It seeks to cultivate partnerships between education, community, and industry to create accelerated education-to-career pathways that empower students to achieve economic independence and success.
“Connecting education to work requires innovative, purpose-built pathways,” said David Mansouri, president and CEO of SCORE. “The Future Forward Innovation Grant acknowledges that more investment and innovation is needed to ensure students are prepared with the skills and training that lead to careers that enable economic independence. This is an investment in our students, our workforce and our state.”
SCORE will work alongside a selection committee composed of leaders with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital and education to advise in the final grant selection process. Committee members will also provide ongoing mentorship to recipients during the fellowship year. The committee includes:
- Sarah Burnett, chief of staff, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Carolyn Hardy, CEO, Hardy Beverages
- Kevin Huffman, CEO, Accelerate
- William Trapnell, senior associate, Frist Cressey Ventures
“The Tennessee Chamber is committed to fostering a strong workforce pipeline that meets the evolving needs of our state’s businesses,” said Josh Brown, president and CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “We look forward to supporting innovative programs that empower Tennessee students with the skills and credentials they need to thrive in high-demand careers.”
The grant is open to individuals and organizations from education, nonprofit, government and industry sectors who are developing innovative education-to-work pathway programs. Ideal applicants will demonstrate a commitment to:
- Student-centered design: The pathway must create an accelerated opportunity for students to earn a credential that leads to a high-demand, high-wage job.
- Market-driven solutions: The pathway must be developed with an employer or industry partner to meet a specific workforce need.
- Education and employer partnerships: The pathway must be created through collaboration among K-12, postsecondary education, workforce training and/or community partners working alongside an employer or industry partner.
For more information and to apply for the Future Forward Innovation Grant, please visit tnscore.org/innovation grant.