Connected Communities Pilot Projects

Economic Solutions Through Solar Innovation

The Cheatham County School District (CCSD) will construct a 50kW solar array with a Tesla Powerwall backup which will create energy cost savings and project-based learning opportunities for Career and Technical Education.

Base Camp Coding Academy

Base Camp Coding Academy in rural Mississippi will expand its successful software development career training program to serve a greater and more diverse population of youth and adults.

Building the Future of East Tennessee’s Workforce

To introduce early learners with the STEM skills and jobs in the Valley, East Tennessee PBS will produce a series of videos and curriculum to raise awareness and engagement of regional opportunities.

Engaging Children in the Power of STEM Education and the Career Pipeline

Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South will increase the technologies available at their newly launched, state-of-the-art Wang Experiential Learning Center to provide local students with workforce education and skill attainment.

Driving Tennessee Forward - EV Technologies

Southwest Tennessee Community College is creating a program that provides the community with equitable access to EV charging stations and develops a curriculum for students to learn the necessary skills for jobs related to EV charging.

Connectivity and Health in Orchard Knob

Uniting public Wi-Fi connectivity with residential energy improvements, Orchard Knob Collaborative is creating a healthier, safer and more economically viable community.

Tech Upgrades at City of Knoxville Recreation Centers

By making tech upgrades at 15 recreation centers across the City of Knoxville, the Parks & Rec Department is reducing the digital divide within disadvantaged communities.

Providing Wi-Fi Access & Education to New Affordable Housing Projects

By providing Wi-Fi hotspots to low-income residents, Murfreesboro Housing Authority is improving the livelihood of individuals and expanding access to services.

ACTNow (Access, Connectivity, Tools)

To address the digital divide, the Columbus Housing Authority will provide access to digital literacy, connectivity to internet service and the tools needed for residents to successfully engage in the digital space.

Community Hotspots

With the goal of expanding high-speed internet access to rural Giles County communities, Pulaski Electric System Energize will install public Wi-Fi hotspots across the county.

Residential Demand Response Through Connecting MHA

Expanding on the Building Wi-Fi Access & Education to New Affordable Housing Projects pilot project, Phase II will further explore the benefits of connectivity and its relationship with smarter energy management.

High-Tech Connect Center

Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative will open a community-based technology center in Kilpatrick, Alabama, that features indoor and outdoor learning environments, providing the community access to fiber internet, digital literacy training and more.

Connecting Families for Student Success

Nashville Public Education Foundation seeks to launch the Connecting Families for Student Success, a program to enhance parental access to, understanding of and involvement in their children’s academic journeys.

Alerting Elders to Air Quality Health Risks

To improve the health and wellness of under-resourced elders, Three3, Inc. is implementing strategies to improve resiliency to indoor and outdoor environmental health risks.

Home Energy Management System Platform

Through smart home controls powered by an innovative, free platform and app, we are exploring a future where our homes are more resilient.

Johnson City Smart Poles

By evaluating the use of smart lighting and sensor technologies, Johnson City is exploring how to save energy, make public areas safer, manage parks more efficiently and improve the overall community.

Living Building Certified Education Center

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont will retrofit an existing brick home and barn to meet the requirements of the Living Building Challenge and increase program capacity with a focus on underserved students.

Connected Community Through Sustainable Service

Guntersville Middle School in Guntersville, Alabama, seeks to transform its lakeside area into a sunrise-to-sunset district that provides a public education space, increased amenities for residents and guests alike and an opportunity for students to learn about new, clean technologies positively affecting their community.

Supporting Veteran Reintegration Through Sustainable Agriculture

A net-negative carbon housing development for veterans that uses energy-efficient and sustainable agriculture technologies to reduce energy consumption, provide career training opportunities and improve living conditions for residents.

Enhanced Community Resiliency