The Future Forward Innovation Grant, administered by SCORE (State Collaborative on Reforming Education), is designed to support the creation and implementation of innovative education-to-career pathway programs in Tennessee. The grant aligns with SCORE’s mission to catalyze transformative change in education and improve student outcomes by connecting education with real workforce opportunities that lead to economic success and independence.

This grant opportunity is open to individuals and organizations from the education sector, nonprofit community, government, or industry who are developing or scaling programs that guide students toward high-wage, high-demand careers. Grant recipients will receive up to $75,000 in funding, a year of strategic consulting from SCORE, and participation in a cohort-based fellowship. This support is aimed at helping grant recipients design, implement, and evaluate education-to-work models that are both student-centered and market-driven.

To be eligible, pathway models must incorporate three key elements. First, they must be student-centered, providing accelerated access to “impact credentials” — credentials that lead directly to well-paying and high-demand careers. Second, models must be market-driven, developed with industry partners to align with real workforce needs. Third, programs must be built through collaboration across education and employer sectors, involving K–12 schools, postsecondary institutions, workforce training providers, community groups, and employers.

Applicants may be in the early conceptual phase of program development or may already have a model in place that they are ready to scale. Teams that include cross-sector partnerships between education and industry are highly encouraged to apply. While applicant partners do not all need to be finalized by the application deadline, their involvement is a key factor in the evaluation of proposals.

The application period is currently open and will close on April 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM Central Time. Applications and detailed instructions can be downloaded from SCORE’s website. Applicants must also agree to participate in the associated fellowship, which includes cohort convenings, mentorship, and strategic planning sessions. Participation in these activities is mandatory and intended to ensure implementation success and foster shared learning among grant recipients.

For further information, a webinar and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page are available to provide clarification. SCORE also offers direct support via email at innovationgrant@tnscore.org. The program is headquartered at 1801 West End Avenue, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37203, and may be contacted by phone at 615-727-1545.