Five hundred thousand of the funds will be spent at Bledsoe County Middle School. One initiative in the grant is to make improvements to the existing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) program. A Coding teacher will be hired to give students increased opportunities to participate in project-based learning opportunities through the STEM program. STEM materials, equipment, and upgraded computers for the engineering and computer science classes will also be purchased. STEM-based education provides students with valuable skills such as critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving, which will be invaluable as students move to high school and beyond.

Additionally, 8th grade students will have more opportunities to participate in career exploration activities. A certified teacher will be hired to teach a Career Exploration class where students will participate in a variety of activities including completing career assessments, taking field trips to colleges and industries, completing ACT Prep activities, and developing a six-year college and career plan. Although we know some students will not know what they want to do as a career before entering high school, we want to help them start thinking about the careers they want to pursue and assist them in linking their interest to high school classes.

In addition to the middle school funding, one million dollars will be spent at Bledsoe County High School. The high school goals are to implement a new program and to make enhancements to already established programs.

After a great deal of collaboration with TCAT of Crossville and research around current needs, the decision was made to implement a MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) program of study. This will allow for an increased pathway between secondary and post-secondary. It will also prepare students for high skilled, high wage, in demand careers based on local workforce development needs.

The district realizes that agriculture is an integral part of the community and one-third ($290,000) of the high school grant funding was earmarked to make enhancements to the Ag Science program. A barn will be constructed to provide students with project-based learning opportunities. The barn will be approximately 40×60 in size and will be equipped with water and electricity. It will also be heated and furnished with all the necessary equipment. Currently, students in the Vet Science program of study do not have access to livestock. The barn will provide ample space, including indoor and outdoor stalls, to house animals for students in the Vet Science program to engage with as they study a wide range of topics including principles of health of and disease, basic animal care and nursing, and clinical and laboratory procedures. Since not all activities can feasibly take place in the barn, students will still have access to a large classroom in the CTE building.

The STEM program at the high school will also be upgraded with the purchase of powerful computers to ensure students have what they need to complete coding and programming activities. Expanded coding opportunities for high school students will lead to increased interest in the STEM pathway.