BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Northeast State Community College received an $884,404 grant from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).

Numerous institutions in Tennessee have received the “Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant” which aims to enhance educational opportunities and career paths in the rapidly growing health care sectors, according to a news release from THEC.

“By investing in these institutions, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable

“This initiative is crucial for bolstering the health care workforce in the state’s rural areas,” stated Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of THEC, in the release. “These collaborations will allow students to explore health care careers sooner, move into higher education more smoothly, and progress professionally in their selected careers.”

The grant supports the following evidence-based strategies, according to THEC:

• Increasing exposure to health care careers
• Strengthening pathways into health science education and employment
• Enhancing career advancement opportunities