Future Forward Innovation Grant

Mission: Grounded in SCORE's mission to catalyze transformative change in Tennessee education, the Future Forward Innovation Grant bridges the gap between education and opportunity by supporting the design and launch of innovative credential pathway programs.

Purpose

Focus: Supporting the design and launch of innovative education-to-work credential pathway programs that connect students to in-demand, high-wage careers.

Program Structure

• Format: Year-long cohort-style fellowship with expert mentoring and financial investment
• Geographic Scope: Tennessee (statewide)
• Approach: Partnerships between education, community, and industry to develop accelerated pathways for students to earn credentials leading to in-demand, high-wage careers
• Philosophy: Both student-focused and market-driven, addressing local workforce needs

Eligible Partners

Partnerships bringing together education, community, and industry sectors, including:

• K-12 schools and school districts
• Postsecondary institutions (community colleges, universities)
• Industry partners and employers
• Community organizations

Recent Award Recipients (2025-2026 Cohort)

1. University of Memphis / The Polytechnic @ UofM Initiative - Bachelor of applied science pathway with embedded nondegree credentials (in partnership with Southwest Tennessee Community College, TCAT-Jackson, University High School, UpSkill Mid-South, CREE, Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce)
2. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Python and data processing/analysis credential program focused on health care data science
3. Nurses Middle College Nashville (NMC) - Accelerated licensed practical nurse (LPN) apprenticeship program (in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center)
4. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) & Chattanooga State Community College - BlueHorizon program providing accelerated associate degree in health science (launching 2026)
5. Chattanooga 2.0 - Tutor to Teacher pathway earning multiple credentials while tutoring and completing high school
6. Niswonger Foundation & UT-Knoxville - AI and data science credential program (in partnership with Kingsport City Schools, Sullivan County Schools, Ballad Health)
7. Ballad Health - Accelerated surgical technologist (surg tech) apprenticeship pathway with regional high schools

Contact Information

Tennessee SCORE

• Address: 1801 West End Avenue, Suite 300, Nashville TN 37203
• Phone: 615-727-1545
• Website: tnscore.org