The Tennessee Department of Education released the intent to apply for the $500 million Tennessee Innovative School Models grant opportunity to boost opportunities for career readiness and student success statewide is open beginning today, July 7 through Friday, July 22.
During the month of July, the department is celebrating Innovative School Models month, which is the primary state initiative within the Student Readiness priority in the Best for All strategic plan. The Innovative School Models grant opportunity expands on the department’s initial ESSER investment of $30 million with an additional $500 million investment of state funds designed to eliminate structural barriers that exist between middle and high school, workforce, and postsecondary opportunities. These models allow students the ability to seamlessly make connections earlier and graduate high school prepared to successfully complete a postsecondary credential or excel in a career pathway of their choice.
The state will invest $500 million over the next four years to give all traditional, public middle and high schools the opportunity to establish an Innovative School Model.