ATHENS – The Limestone County Economic Development Association has been awarded a Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee Valley Authority to support collaborative efforts in training and education.
“The Limestone County Economic Development Association is honored to receive the Workforce Invest Grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority,” said LCEDA President & CEO Bethany Shockney. “This funding will enhance our ongoing efforts to strengthen workforce development through education and training, ensuring that our local businesses and industries have access to a highly skilled talent pool.”
In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, the TVA and third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors developed the Workforce Invest initiative in 2022. The goal is to address critical workforce development needs.
“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants but for entire communities,” said Gray Swoope, president & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors. “VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for Workforce Invest.”
The scope of the project is to provide scholarships, in partnership with the Limestone County Churches Involved Inc., for short-term certificates in the healthcare and manufacturing industries to non-participants of the workforce, veterans, single parents, low-income individuals, English language learners, individuals with low literacy, and individuals without a high school diploma/GED.
“TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities,” said John Bradley, senior vice president of Economic Development for TVA. “Workforce Invest allows us to invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level.
“Each project funded provides needed training to residents while also filling the needs of industry. We are proud to support our local economic development partners.”
For information or to participate, visit the LCCI office at 201 N. Jefferson St. in Athens between 9-10:30; call 256-262-0271 or complete the online application at https://forms.office.com/r/
Over the last two years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 30 communities totaling more than $2 million.
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