TVA Awards Workforce Invest Grant to NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership

NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership received a Workforce Invest Grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), enabling unique workforce training and education opportunities for Bristol, Tennessee.
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The grant supports a coordinated effort among NETWORKS, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, the City of Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol Tennessee City Schools. The funding will help address workforce gaps by strengthening early career awareness, expanding hands-on learning, and aligning student experiences with regional employer needs.
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Clay Walker, CEO of NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, said the investment boosts the local talent pipeline and supports industry demand.

Grant Targets Local Workforce Gaps

TVA launched Workforce Invest in 2022 to meet growing demand for skilled workers. The program supports projects that address workforce and education needs while helping employers secure talent.
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Over the past 4 years, TVA has awarded more than $6 million in Workforce Invest grants to 40+ communities. Each project focuses on measurable workforce outcomes and collaboration among economic development, education, and industry partners.
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Sullivan County employers report ongoing demand for workers in advanced manufacturing, utilities, hospitality, and related sectors. The grant uniquely enables NETWORKS and partners to address these needs by offering career exploration, direct employer engagement, and curriculum support that introduces students to career paths earlier.

Programs Expand Career Exposure and Hands-on Learning

Grant funds will revitalize Career Connections Week by providing resources that enable unique opportunities for students to connect with employers and community leaders not otherwise available. Businesses will directly discuss career paths, skills, and advancement with students, made possible through this support.
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Funding will purchase the Junior Achievement curriculum and develop JA BizTown Mobile, which will let students run a simulated city for a day. The experience introduces financial literacy, business operations, and workplace expectations in a structured setting.
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Senior leadership volunteers from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol will serve as mentors, offering guidance and a real-world perspective on career development.
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By combining classroom instruction and employer interaction, the initiative strengthens understanding of job requirements and workplace skills.

Partnerships Align Training With Employer Needs

The Workforce Invest grant uniquely brings together education providers, utilities, local government, and industry to align training with real workforce needs. Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, and other employers provide direct input to shape program content, ensuring it aligns with current job-market requirements.
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Workforce development depends on education, hands-on learning, and strong partnerships. This grant provides an opportunity to introduce students to careers available in the region.
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Employers use the collaborative structure to share skill needs with education partners, shaping curriculum, career events, and mentoring.
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By investing in early exposure and structured pathways, NETWORKS and partners aim to reduce labor shortages and better align graduates with jobs.
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For economic developers and site selectors, the grant shows a coordinated approach to workforce planning and demonstrates local capacity to align education with industry needs.