NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The state says it will help up to 500,000 Tennesseans, who are claiming unemployment benefits, earn a college degree while they’re fulfilling work search requirements.
Gov. Bill Lee announced the new program, “Reconnect to Workforce,” on Thursday. The program is a collaboration between the Tennessee Reconnect program and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar grant that offers two years of tuition-free community or technical college for eligible adults who have not yet gotten a degree. The state says last year, more than 2,000 students were awarded a certificate or degree.
Federal unemployment benefits under the CARES Act will expire when the person has reached the maximum 39 weeks of payments. The last day to claim federal unemployment benefits is December 26, 2020.
“As federal unemployment benefits end, we want to ensure Tennesseans have the tools needed to skill up and gain long-term employment,” Gov. Lee said in a release. “There are over 250,000 available jobs in Tennessee and this partnership will remove barriers so Tennesseans across our state can obtain the skills needed to acquire a high-quality job.”
Click here to apply for Tennessee Reconnect.
What is the rebound?
As Middle Tennessee works to rebound from the impact of the Coronavirus, we want to help. Whether it's getting back to work, making ends meet during this uncertain time, or managing the pressure, we're committed to finding solution. In addition, we want to tell your stories of hope, inspiration, and creativity as Middle Tennessee starts to rebound.
Find more in the sections below
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Safely Back to School
How schools are changing, and what you can do to help your child get the most from their education, in-person or virtual -
Making Ends Meet
Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques -
Managing the Pressure
Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress. -
Doing What’s Right
Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community. -
State of Education
Find ways to cope with the new normal around schools and celebrate students’ success in the age of Coronavirus. -
We're Open Y'all
Support local businesses doing their best to stay open and serve their customers during Covid.
