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State Profiles | Education

Education

Education is a top priority in Tennessee. Governmental leaders, residents and educators are committed to improving and expanding educational opportunities available to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Multidisciplinary education is available on a statewide basis. There are three main goals for education in Tennessee: to ensure prosperous and productive futures for all economic sectors; to create a skilled labor force for industry and business and to develop public awareness of the challenges brought on by the changing technology of our time.

 

Higher Education

Tennessee Higher Education Commission is the coordinating body for the 51 public colleges, universities and technology centers that collectively educate 220,000 degree-seeking students across Tennessee. In addition, the Commission enjoys a working relationship with more than 36 independent institutions that educate almost 65,000 students.

Tennessee also provides a variety of incentives to enhance the quality of academic performance. Examples include the Performance Funding Program, viewed nationally as the most outstanding of its kind, the Ned McWherter Scholars program, graduate programs and the Chairs of Excellence

Career Centers

Tennessee has a network of career centers across the state where employers can go to find the workers they need, and job seekers can get assistance and career information. Each center offers computerized labor market information, Internet access, workshops and an online talent bank, in addition to job placement, recruitment and training referrals.

Technology Centers

Tennessee Technology Centers offer occupational and technical training for citizens, including employees of existing and prospective businesses across the state. The 27 Centers are a premier provider of Workforce Development, designed to serve post-secondary (adult) students, as well as high-school students involved in vocational programs.

Industry/University Partnerships

Technology-based economic development is driven by the expansion of both existing companies and new business ventures. Furthermore, collaboration among and between these two segments is a necessary component of a thriving technology sector in Tennessee.