Tennessee awards education grants for rural tech programs

NASHVILLE (WDEF) – The Tennessee Department of Education handed out Perkins Reserve Grants today to state school systems.

The money goes toward emerging technology programs.

They particularly target rural areas to promote technical training.

The systems had to submit a plan on how they would use the grants if they won.

Here are the winners in our area:

— Bledsoe County- $23,145

— Bradley County- $50,000

— Polk County- $50,000

“Career and technical education plays an important role in every student’s academic journey,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “We look forward to seeing how districts utilize these grant funds to implement STEM curriculum, create career exploration opportunities for elementary and middle school students, and inform students on growing and new careers.”

The state handed out more than two million dollars in grants in total.