Roane State Lands $1.4M Nuclear Workforce Grant
The grant will fund nuclear career training programs at the Tennessee college as East Tennessee sees billions in new nuclear investment.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Nuclear
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Roane State Community College was awarded a $1,366,456 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission as part of the POWER Initiative. The funding will support nuclear workforce training programs in East Tennessee.
Why it matters
East Tennessee and Oak Ridge are attracting billions of dollars in nuclear investment, increasing demand for skilled workers. A study by Oak Ridge Associated Universities projects Tennessee's nuclear workforce will grow from approximately 17,000 to 21,000 by 2032.
The Appalachian Regional Commission provided over $950,000 of the $1,366,456 total, with Roane State contributing $400,000 in matching funds. Tennessee's nuclear workforce is projected to grow from roughly 17,000 to 21,000 by 2032, though the number of students the grant will train is not stated.
The players
Roane State Community College
A public community college in Harriman, Tennessee, serving the East Tennessee region.
Appalachian Regional Commission
A federal-state partnership agency that funds economic development projects across the Appalachian region.
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
A consortium of universities that conducts research and workforce studies, including projections for Tennessee's nuclear workforce.
The details
The grant will fund equipment and supplies, staff hiring, curriculum development, and outreach to high school students. Tuition and fee support will be available for students pursuing nuclear career pathways, and Roane State will also offer workforce and professional development training outside of credit programs.
Timeline
2025: Roane State partnered with two other Tennessee colleges to develop nuclear technology training.
2032: Projected year when Tennessee's nuclear workforce reaches 21,000.
Roadmap
The grant is part of the POWER Initiative, which channels federal Appalachian Regional Commission funds into workforce training for communities historically dependent on coal. Extending that model to nuclear energy reflects a broader push to build replacement energy careers in East Tennessee.
Students pursuing nuclear career pathways can access tuition and fee support through the grant at Roane State. Workforce and professional development courses outside of credit programs will also be available to area residents.
The takeaway
Residents interested in nuclear careers in East Tennessee now have a community college pathway with financial support. Demand for these roles is expected to rise as regional nuclear investment grows.
Further reading
Explore more on Nuclear energy workforce developments across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WATE 6 On Your Side.
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