Future Forward Innovation Grant
Forecasted
Future Forward Innovation Grant supports Tennessee education-employer partnerships developing credential and work-based learning pathways to prepare students for in-demand, high-wage careers.
Funder: Tennessee SCORE
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Grant funding plus mentorship, peer collaboration, and strategic support through the Tennessee Pathways Incubator
Summary: Supports locally driven Tennessee education-employer partnerships developing credential and work-based learning pathways to high-wage careers.
Key Information: Grant recipients participate in the cohort-based Tennessee Pathways Incubator.
Description
Launched by Tennessee SCORE in 2025, the Future Forward Innovation Grant supports locally driven partnerships that connect education with economic opportunity across Tennessee. The program brings education, industry, and community partners together to incubate and launch innovative pathways that expand access to valuable credentials and prepare students for in-demand, high-wage careers that enable economic independence.
Supported models combine credential attainment, postsecondary education, and real-world work experience. Examples include accelerated degree pathways, apprenticeships, stackable credentials, and career-connected learning aligned with local workforce needs. Funded partnerships have addressed healthcare, education, skilled trades, nuclear energy, and other workforce fields. Alongside funding, recipients join the Tennessee Pathways Incubator for expert mentorship, peer collaboration, and strategic support to strengthen and scale their models.
