Initiatives

Building tomorrow's workforce. Today.
Photos of a woman with glasses holding fabric and a smiling older man

Spotlights

TNWorks is empowering the workforce of the future with initiatives focused on high-demand careers statewide.

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) is taking action to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration that positions Tennessee's community and technical colleges as leaders in responsible and effective AI integration.

Faculty & Staff Development

  • Over 1,200 faculty and staff have participated in AI professional development across the TBR system.
  • Training emphasizes AI literacy, ethical use, academic integrity, and instructional innovation.
  • These sessions build capacity and confidence for integrating AI effectively into teaching, learning, and student support.

Tech Talk Tuesdays

  • A statewide webinar series that brings together faculty, administrators, and workforce partners to discuss emerging technologies, including AI, data analytics, and automation.
  • Facilitates shared learning, highlights institutional innovation, and promotes cross-campus collaboration.

Communities of Practice

  • TBR has established AI-focused Communities of Practice to connect faculty and staff across disciplines who are exploring AI applications in education and workforce programs.
  • These groups provide structured opportunities for peer exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and development of model practices for classroom and administrative use.

Curriculum & Workforce Alignment

  • TBR is embedding AI and digital competencies into academic and technical programs to ensure alignment with industry needs.
  • New pathways are being developed in areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and information technology.
  • Collaborations with TN eCampus and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) expand access to AI-related education and training.

Policy & Guidance Development

  • Leading efforts to establish systemwide policy and guidance on the responsible use of AI in instruction, assessment, and operations.
  • These policies address ethical use, transparency, and data privacy while supporting instructional innovation and academic integrity.

Resource Development & Collaboration

  • Developing online resources and toolkits to support faculty, staff, and students in understanding and using AI responsibly.
  • Collaborating with the Tennessee Department of Education (TN DOE) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) to expand AI-related training, research, and shared learning opportunities across educational sectors.

Want to learn more?

Get connected with a TNWorks representative today.