Title

Workforce Development in Tennessee

Relevance

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#212529"},"insert":"On average, approximately 714,803 Tennesseans participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) each month in 2024. Based on FY 2022 data, 75.8% of SNAP households had gross countable income, yet 63% had gross countable income at the federal poverty level or below. A low level of education is a barrier for many of these individuals. Knowledge of jobs available, the skills needed for those jobs, and how to gain those skills is a limiting factor. Cost is an important factor as well, both for direct training costs such as tuition and books and vital supports such as transportation and childcare which often present significant barriers. Low levels of training and education affect individuals and their families as employment opportunities are limited. Middle-skill jobs, or those requiring more than a high school diploma but less than a 4-year degree, are in demand and available with a moderate amount of training. Employers are affected when there is a shortage of workers with the required knowledge, skills, and soft skills necessary to be successful in these jobs."},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Response

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#212529"},"insert":"Skill Up Tennessee, UT Extension’s SNAP Employment and Training program conducted in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, was implemented to help qualifying adult SNAP participants set and reach training and employment goals that lead to self-sufficiency. The program is marketed through partners at the county level, in collaboration with Family and Consumer Sciences Extension agents and Career Navigators (Extension Assistants), to recruit interested individuals for the program. Case management is provided by Career Navigators to help participants address barriers, make a plan, and pursue training leading to employment. Agents in the majority of counties have been trained to participate in the program. Based on 2024 SUPER reporting, 165 group meetings, 6 on-site visits, 287 personal correspondence, 128 digital contacts, and 7 mass outreach activities were reported from counties and the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Partnerships have been developed with statewide, regional, and local organizations to promote the program, and two pilot projects were implemented."},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Results

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#212529"},"insert":"Skill Up Tennessee has connected participants with support and resources to help them gain the training and skills needed for employment. Supportive services such as tuition assistance, help with the cost of textbooks, and assistance with transportation were provided as barriers were identified. In program year 2024, nine hundred forty-nine (949) individuals from 81 counties signed up to participate in Skill Up Tennessee. As part of our outreach role, 630 of these individuals were sent to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to serve if eligible. A total of 211 individuals from 54 counties participated in Skill Up Tennessee, with 163 enrolled in Vocational/Technical Training, 17 enrolled in Work Readiness Training, 5 enrolled in Adult Education, 4 enrolled in Job Search Training, and 15 enrolled in Job Retention. At least 44 earned a credential and at least 17 gained employment. Supportive services totaled $115,937. Because of the nature of the program, this fits the typical pattern of initial recruitment, enrollment in training that can last up to two years, then earning a credential that leads to employment. The program is voluntary and participants must maintain eligibility so there are credentials earned and employment gained that are not reported if individuals stop participating. Finally, the Future Ready Virtual Reality pilot reached 40 people, with 73% indicating enhanced understanding of how education can impact future earnings and 88% identifying key factors to consider when planning an education and training path."},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Public Value Statement

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"white","color":"#212529"},"insert":"Based on 2023 data, for every dollar of direct output from Skill Up Tennessee, the total economic impact on the state’s economy is $2.06. During program year 2024, a total of $876,553.28 of funding was invested in the Skill Up Tennessee program, resulting in significant economic impact of over $1.8 million dollars."},{"insert":"\n"}]}

Primary Focus Area

Youth, Family, & Communities

Secondary Focus Area

None Selected

Impact Statement