Skill Up Tennessee Recovery Initiative

UT Extension has received support from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to fund the Skill Up Tennessee Recovery Initiative. This project will build on and expand current efforts in workforce development and and will focus specifically on individuals with or at risk of substance use disorder in several counties in East and Middle Tennessee. Read below to learn more about the project.

Skill Up Tennessee is UT Extension’s SNAP Employment and Training program conducted in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Visit our general program overview to learn more.

From a participant’s perspective, eligibility criteria and available supports are the same and can be found here. Additional funding will help us to increase capacity and reach more people.

For this project, we will be working with local service providers, community-based organizations, other program partners, local employers and Extension agents in the identified counties to recruit and support individuals in recovery. While we do some of this already, the new project will allow us to dedicate resources specifically in this area.

An exciting aspect of the Skill Up Tennessee Recovery Initiative is that it allow us to work with employers to help create recovery friendly workplaces. More information will be added in the near future.

Skill Up Tennessee is available statewide. The Skill Up Tennessee Recovery Initiative will focus on specific counties in East and Middle Tennessee. A list of those counties will be posted soon.

No, we do not provide counseling or treatment services. We provide job training and skill building, often in collaboration with other training providers. As our network of recovery partners grows, we will be able to connect individuals in need with organizations providing such resources.

The Tennessee REDLINE is a resource for substance misuse treatment referrals. Anyone can call or text 1-800-889-9789 for referrals.

We’re glad you asked! We want to connect with community-based organizations, business, and other partners to fully implement this project. For now, reach out to skillup@tennessee.edu and we will set up a time to talk.

The project kicks off in October 2025 and we will have some opportunities this fall to connect and learn more. Stay tuned!

Skill Up Tennessee Recovery Initiative

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Funding Information