Stories @ TCAT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Knoxville has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Arconic Foundation to launch the Foster Youth Forward: Career Camps & Fast-Track Workforce Initiative.

The five-week Career Camps, fully funded by the Arconic Foundation, will serve young adults ages 18–24 who are currently in or transitioning from foster care. The program offers hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, career coaching and direct connections to employers in high-demand fields including manufacturing, construction, healthcare and logistics.

Participants will have the opportunity to earn credentials such as OSHA 10, NCCER Core, NC3 certifications, CPR/AED and Northstar Digital Literacy. In addition, students will receive résumé support, mock interview experience, TCAT advising and guidance into apprenticeship pathways.

The first Career Camp will take place July 20 through August 20, 2026, at TCAT Knoxville’s main campus, located at 3435 Division Street. Additional camps are planned through summer 2027.

“We are grateful to the Arconic Foundation for investing in this important initiative,” said Kelli Chaney, President of TCAT Knoxville. “This grant helps remove barriers and create real pathways to employment and postsecondary education for foster youth in our region.”

For more information, contact workforce@tcatknoxville.edu.

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About TCAT Knoxville

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville is at the forefront of technical education, offering a diverse range of programs that equip students with the skills needed for today’s workforce. As part of the Tennessee Board of Regents system and accredited by the COE, TCAT Knoxville ensures a high-quality educational experience focused on student success and job placement. TCAT Knoxville is led by President Kelli Chaney.