Building Bridges
The formerly funded EDA University of Tennessee University Center (UTUC) works to address gaps in Tennessee's economic and workforce development ecosystems and promotes innovation, investment and growth across the state.
By combining the power of university resources and local partners, the UTUC goal is to strengthen Tennessee’s capacity to create and sustain high skilled jobs, particularly in rural areas.
This work addresses critical needs to improve labor force participation and increase workforce alignment and capacity, both of which hinder the ability of counties to advance economic development.
Activities
The UT University Center aligns resources to strengthen rural workforce systems and build economic resiliency, improve participation and equity in the labor force, and help rural businesses attract and retain talent to support job growth and investment.
The University Center:
•Combines university and partner resources to identify and address labor force participation issues, particularly among rural populations.
•Helps distressed and at-risk counties leverage, align and enhance workforce development assets.
•Creates professional development programs for workforce development practitioners.
•Supports business expansion and quality job creation in rural communities by helping companies become employers of choice.
Technical Assistance Resources
