Northeast State met with local industry and education leaders on Jan. 29 to talk about opportunities afforded by a recent $1 million workforce development grant from Gov. Bill Lee.
The College received the grant through the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) program to increase the number of trained and Cisco-certified computer networking technicians in the region.
“The GIVE grant recognizes the need for institutions to go to business and industry and ask what they need from us so we can deliver credentialing that brings jobs to the region and creates opportunities for students,” said Northeast State President Bethany Flora.
GIVE GRANT DETAILS Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved $25 million in the governor’s budget to incentivize collaboration at the local level among stakeholders such as higher education institutions, K-12, and economic development partners.
The award process began in June when the Tennessee Higher Education Commission issued a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). Each proposal was required to show local data that identified both workforce needs and a sustainable plan utilizing equipment, work-based learning experiences, or recognized industry certifications to increase the state’s competitiveness and postsecondary attainment goals.
The program prioritized economically distressed and at-risk counties in the RFP process. The 28 funded projects serve all financially distressed counties and 18 of the 24 at-risk counties.
NE State officials discussed the recent $1 million GIVE grant with local industry and education leaders Jan. 29 at the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing.
IMPACT AT NORTHEAST STATE At Northeast State, the funds will support the creation of hands-on computer networking labs, dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, and test preparation courses for certification. Also, the grant will aid curriculum development and student support services. Participants will also participate in work-based learning opportunities ranging from career awareness to career training.
The Northeast State project will serve an estimated 232 participants over a 30-month performance period, including high school students, Tennessee College of Applied Technology students, community college students, unemployed and under-employed individuals, and incumbent workers.
“As far as NE State is concerned, I hope we can become the computer science department of choice in our area,” said Dr. Donna Farrell, chair of the College’s Computer Science Department. “Because we have the experience, the programs, and the partnerships that make students want to come to us because they know we care about them. The GIVE grant is going to let us do that.”
Northeast State’s Computer Science programs of study include Cyber Defense, the Internet of Things, Networking, Programming, and Systems Administration. According to Farrell, there are 246 computer science students currently enrolled at the College.
Farrell said the department awarded 39 degrees and certificates in 2018-19, and graduates are working at companies such as the AAM Group, Avertium, BIS, Brightridge, Huf North American, Intellithought, Sharp, and TeleOptics. Also, graduates have transferred to schools such as East Tennessee State University, King University, Milligan University, Tusculum University, the University of the Cumberlands, and the University of Tennessee.
STUDENT SHARE STORIES
Farrell also introduced NE State graduate Tony Feathers and current student Chelsea Begley who talked about their educational experiences.
Feathers initially attended NE State in 1986 but dropped out after two semesters to take a job with a local company. He worked there for 26 years until he had to take early retirement. After considering his options, he returned to Northeast State.
“I always wanted to be in the IT field…I was 50 years old, but it’s never too late so I registered,” Feathers said. “The faculty, from day one, were amazing. Amazing people teaching amazing skills.”
After graduation this past May, Feathers landed a job with the Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency.
“Within 10 minutes of going in the door (for an interview), I was asking them when I could start—I just felt at home,” Feathers said. “Some people look at me funny when I say I have a two-year degree that took me 33 years—I’m very proud of that fact.”
Begley, a cyber defense major, currently holds a 4.0 GPA. She faced daunting challenges growing up: a tough family life, a broken spine in a horseback riding accident, and a pregnancy at the age of 18.
“I started college when I was 18 and found out I was pregnant and withdrew from my classes,” Begley said. “Worst mistake I ever made in my life. The hardest thing about college is when you take a break is going back.”
Begley said she endured dead-end jobs and 60-80 hour work weeks that kept her from spending time with her son.
“I convinced myself I couldn’t do that anymore, so here I am,” Begley said. “I am so happy where my life is at right now. Not only do I graduate in May, but I have also recently taken a position at Northeast State as a lab assistant (a position attached to the GIVE grant). Hopefully, in the next couple of years, I will have a couple of (Cisco) certifications to go with my degree and some experience under my belt as well.”
WORK-BASED LEARNING
Heath McMillian, Northeast State’s executive director of Economic and Workforce Development, discussed work-based learning opportunities for students and how local business and industry can help with career readiness.
Examples include workplace tours, guest speakers, career fairs, jobs shadowing, capstone projects, internships, and apprenticeships.
McMillian said work-based learning bridges the gap to help students gain experience that is often crucial to landing a job.
“This gives them practical skills and soft skills and goes a long way in giving students confidence and purpose,” McMillian said.
McMillian said companies also benefit by being able to develop a robust pipeline for talent.
“I think we’ve all been part of a company where there’s one integral person that we wouldn’t know what to do if they left,” McMillian said. “Work-based learning brings structure and sustainability to your organization.”
Farrell added that Northeast State has a networking apprenticeship in place and is currently seeking an industry partner to move ahead with training.
GIVE grant community partners attending the meeting included the First Tennessee Development District, the Northeast Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board, Northeast State, TCAT Elizabethton, Kingsport City Schools, Sullivan County Schools, Bailey Computing Technologies, Inc., Bristol TN Essential Services, CenturyLink, and TeleOptics. The College is open to adding partners as the project continues.
Northeast State met with local industry and education leaders on Jan. 29 to talk about opportunities afforded by a recent $1 million workforce development grant from Gov. Bill Lee.
The College received the grant through the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) program to increase the number of trained and Cisco-certified computer networking technicians in the region.
“The GIVE grant recognizes the need for institutions to go to business and industry and ask what they need from us so we can deliver credentialing that brings jobs to the region and creates opportunities for students,” said Northeast State President Bethany Flora.
GIVE GRANT DETAILS
Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved $25 million in the governor’s budget to incentivize collaboration at the local level among stakeholders such as higher education institutions, K-12, and economic development partners.
The award process began in June when the Tennessee Higher Education Commission issued a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). Each proposal was required to show local data that identified both workforce needs and a sustainable plan utilizing equipment, work-based learning experiences, or recognized industry certifications to increase the state’s competitiveness and postsecondary attainment goals.
The program prioritized economically distressed and at-risk counties in the RFP process. The 28 funded projects serve all financially distressed counties and 18 of the 24 at-risk counties.
IMPACT AT NORTHEAST STATE
At Northeast State, the funds will support the creation of hands-on computer networking labs, dual enrollment opportunities for high school students, and test preparation courses for certification. Also, the grant will aid curriculum development and student support services. Participants will also participate in work-based learning opportunities ranging from career awareness to career training.
The Northeast State project will serve an estimated 232 participants over a 30-month performance period, including high school students, Tennessee College of Applied Technology students, community college students, unemployed and under-employed individuals, and incumbent workers.
“As far as NE State is concerned, I hope we can become the computer science department of choice in our area,” said Dr. Donna Farrell, chair of the College’s Computer Science Department. “Because we have the experience, the programs, and the partnerships that make students want to come to us because they know we care about them. The GIVE grant is going to let us do that.”
Northeast State’s Computer Science programs of study include Cyber Defense, the Internet of Things, Networking, Programming, and Systems Administration. According to Farrell, there are 246 computer science students currently enrolled at the College.
Farrell said the department awarded 39 degrees and certificates in 2018-19, and graduates are working at companies such as the AAM Group, Avertium, BIS, Brightridge, Huf North American, Intellithought, Sharp, and TeleOptics. Also, graduates have transferred to schools such as East Tennessee State University, King University, Milligan University, Tusculum University, the University of the Cumberlands, and the University of Tennessee.
STUDENT SHARE STORIES
Farrell also introduced NE State graduate Tony Feathers and current student Chelsea Begley who talked about their educational experiences.
Feathers initially attended NE State in 1986 but dropped out after two semesters to take a job with a local company. He worked there for 26 years until he had to take early retirement. After considering his options, he returned to Northeast State.
“I always wanted to be in the IT field…I was 50 years old, but it’s never too late so I registered,” Feathers said. “The faculty, from day one, were amazing. Amazing people teaching amazing skills.”
After graduation this past May, Feathers landed a job with the Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency.
“Within 10 minutes of going in the door (for an interview), I was asking them when I could start—I just felt at home,” Feathers said. “Some people look at me funny when I say I have a two-year degree that took me 33 years—I’m very proud of that fact.”
Begley, a cyber defense major, currently holds a 4.0 GPA. She faced daunting challenges growing up: a tough family life, a broken spine in a horseback riding accident, and a pregnancy at the age of 18.
“I started college when I was 18 and found out I was pregnant and withdrew from my classes,” Begley said. “Worst mistake I ever made in my life. The hardest thing about college is when you take a break is going back.”
Begley said she endured dead-end jobs and 60-80 hour work weeks that kept her from spending time with her son.
“I convinced myself I couldn’t do that anymore, so here I am,” Begley said. “I am so happy where my life is at right now. Not only do I graduate in May, but I have also recently taken a position at Northeast State as a lab assistant (a position attached to the GIVE grant). Hopefully, in the next couple of years, I will have a couple of (Cisco) certifications to go with my degree and some experience under my belt as well.”
WORK-BASED LEARNING
Heath McMillian, Northeast State’s executive director of Economic and Workforce Development, discussed work-based learning opportunities for students and how local business and industry can help with career readiness.
Examples include workplace tours, guest speakers, career fairs, jobs shadowing, capstone projects, internships, and apprenticeships.
McMillian said work-based learning bridges the gap to help students gain experience that is often crucial to landing a job.
“This gives them practical skills and soft skills and goes a long way in giving students confidence and purpose,” McMillian said.
McMillian said companies also benefit by being able to develop a robust pipeline for talent.
“I think we’ve all been part of a company where there’s one integral person that we wouldn’t know what to do if they left,” McMillian said. “Work-based learning brings structure and sustainability to your organization.”
Farrell added that Northeast State has a networking apprenticeship in place and is currently seeking an industry partner to move ahead with training.
GIVE grant community partners attending the meeting included the First Tennessee Development District, the Northeast Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board, Northeast State, TCAT Elizabethton, Kingsport City Schools, Sullivan County Schools, Bailey Computing Technologies, Inc., Bristol TN Essential Services, CenturyLink, and TeleOptics. The College is open to adding partners as the project continues.
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