Tennessee READI AI CTE Fellowship

Building and sustaining a faculty community of practice in Tennessee

The Perkins READI AI Fellowship empowers a Community of Practice to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI. Participating colleges receive funding to design and implement projects in collaboration with workforce partners, guided by a (Plan-Do-Study-Act) framework and monthly cohort meetings. Fellows are community and technical college faculty members and leaders who focus on outcomes such as building employer partnerships, enhancing workforce preparation, and developing scalable models for AI-ready CTE programs. Participants also receive ongoing professional development in AI tools, ethics, and best practices. The READI AI Fellowship seeks to transform Tennessee’s CTE landscape by building college–industry partnerships that not only meet current labor market needs but also prepare students for success in an AI-driven economy. This fellowship is made possible by partnerships with Tennessee Board of Regents, Advance CTE, ACTE, and funding from the ECMC Foundation.

Project Timeline

  • Perkins READI AI Fellowship Application Release

    Fellowship Awardees Notified

    Planning & Finalization of Campus Teams

  • Fellowship Virtual Kickoff Phase 1: Plan

    Campus Team Planning

    Phase 1 Reports Due

  • TBR Perkins Coordinators & Fellows Meeting

    Fellowship Virtual Kickoff Phase 2: Do

    Campus Team Plan Implementation

  • Item descriptionPhase 2 Reports Due

    TBR Perkins Coordinators & Fellows Meeting

    Fellowship Virtual Meeting

  • Planning & Preparation for Fall

  • Fellowship Virtual Kickoff Phase 3: Study

    Phase 3-4 Readiness Assessment

    Campus Team Study Assessment

    Phase 3 Reports Due

  • TBR Perkins Coordinators & Fellows Meeting

    Fellowship Virtual Kickoff Phase 4: Act

    Campus Team Act Implementation

  • Phase 4 Reports Due

    TBR Perkins Coordinators & Fellows Meeting

    Fellowship Virtual Meeting & Conclusion

    Fellowship Final Phase 1-4 Reports Due

READI 8

ChSCC

Chattanooga State Community College

The proposal focuses on embedding AI tools (Power BI and SCADA system tools) into existing Mechatronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) courses, with optional extension into Chemical Engineering Technology and Electric Vehicle Engineering Technology programs. The integration of Power BI and SCADA system tools have been mentioned/requested at industry advisory board meetings for QAQC, EET, Mechatronics Technology. The project provides a model for sustainable, scalable AI integration in technical programs.  

Programs impacted by Perkins READI AI: 
Mechatronics/Electrical Engineering Technology 

Workforce partners: 
Quality Assurance/Quality Control partner: GEDIA Automotive Group
Electrical Engineering Technology and Mechatronics partners: TVA and EPB 

JSCC

Jackson State Community College

There is a growing need for AI literacy across industries and CTE programs such as advanced manufacturing, IT, and healthcare. While AI is transforming these fields, many educators, students, and professionals lack accessible, high-level training that provides a broad strategic understanding of AI. This project aims to bridge the gap by training AI workshop leaders, securing industry partnerships, and developing structured workshop plans tailored to CTE disciplines and broader AI education.

Programs impacted by Perkins READI AI: 
Computer Information Technology AAS Degree 
Engineering Systems Technology AAS Degree
Health Sciences AAS Degree

Workforce partners: 
Jackson Energy Authority
Toyota Boshoku Tennessee
West Tennessee Healthcare

RSCC

Roane State Community College

The funding will support the integration of artificial intelligence into Business Administration, Project Management, and Mechatronics to address critical workforce shortages. The initiative focuses on embedding AI into existing courses, creating dedicated AI modules and electives, and expanding project-based learning opportunities. Faculty development is central, with at least five instructors completing professional training or certification in AI and applying those skills to revise syllabi, assignments, and assessments. Implementation will follow a structured rollout: conducting a skills audit, selecting appropriate tools, piloting courses, adopting a train-the-trainer model, and evaluating impact. The program aims to build long-term AI capacity through professional development, curriculum redesign, and industry partnerships, ultimately preparing students to enter the workforce with critical AI competencies.

Programs impacted by Perkins READI AI:
Mechatronics

Workforce partner: 
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

WSCC

Walters State Community College

Artificial intelligence is being used in the industry to assist farmers in making data driven decisions that can optimize resources, and improve crop health. Working with the industry partner, we plan to develop a tool that will allow students to use collected soil sample data to make decisions regarding crop selection for the given location. Students will use a local farm to collect a soil sample. The samples will be sent to the UTK Soil Sample Center for testing.  Results of these tests will be input into the developed tool for analysis. Students will be asked to make decisions about plant selection, nutrient application, and timing based on the results of the AI generated data and soil test results.

Programs impacted by Perkins READI AI:
Agriculture Business (AAS Business)

Workforce partner: 
U.S. Department of Agriculture

TCAT Dickson

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson

This CTE program was chosen because of industry request. Industries are already using AI in manufacturing and we are not training the students to use it in our industrial maintenance programs. TCAT Dickson plans to incorporate AI into our assembly line trainers to include AI systems into the programming, predictive maintenance, data analytics, and system accountability parts of the manufacturing process. This will benefit students as the industry is expected to see a 15% increase in the next 10 years.

Programs impacted by Perkins READI AI:
Mechatronics Multicraft Technology
Industrial Electrical Maintenance

Workforce partner: 
Toyota Boshoku Western Kentucky

TCAT Harriman

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Harriman

The Machining Tool Technology program at TCAT Harriman directly supports the evolving demands of Tennessee’s advanced manufacturing sector. As employers increasingly integrate (AI) and automation technologies into their operations, our program must evolve to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in these modern environments. TCAT Harriman will incorporate AI into the Machine Tool Tech program in the following 4 ways: 

CAM and CNC Programming – Students will learn how to use AI-driven CAM software like Autodesk Fusion 360 or Mastercam to optimize toolpaths and streamline programming. AI assistants will help students write, debug, and understand G-code faster and more accurately.

AI-Powered Quality Control – We will introduce smart inspection systems such as Keyence or Cognex, training students to use AI-based vision tools for part measurement, defect detection, and feedback-driven machining improvements.

Collaborative Robotics (COBOTs) – The program will deploy COBOT systems integrated with AI vision and logic to simulate real-world machine-tending and inspection workflows. Students will learn programming, safety, and decision-making protocols for human-robot collaboration.

Digital Simulation and AI Capstone Projects – Through virtual labs, digital twins, and project-based learning, students will design AI-enhanced machining cells and gain experience in predictive maintenance, adaptive control, and automated inspection.

Programs impacted by Perkins READI AI:
​​Machine Tool Technology

Workforce partner: 
TGS Precision

TCAT Livingston

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston

By integrating the Xiris weld camera system, which utilizes advanced imaging and artificial intelligence to enhance training and instruction, we will allow real-time monitoring and analysis of weld quality, arc behavior, and technique.The main outcomes of our proposal to integrate AI through the Xiris camera system in the Welding program are focused on improving instructional effectiveness, student learning, and workforce alignment. We will measure success through a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics, aligned with Perkins READI AI Fellowship goals. Our planned outcomes include enhancing student skill development, increasing student engagement and confidence, improving instructional practices, better aligning with workforce expectations, and broadening access and participation.

Programs impacted by Perkins READI AI:
Welding Technology

Workforce partner: 
WeldWorx LLC

TCAT Northwest

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest

There is a growing demand for skilled maintenance technicians who are proficient in both traditional systems and emerging technologies. These partners depend on technicians to possess a broad and adaptable skill set. Preparing students to meet these expectations is essential to supporting the region’s workforce needs. The plan to incorporate AI into the Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics program is to purchase the same AI vision equipment used by our industry partners. I will attend supplier training and develop a curriculum that covers both theory and hands-on applications, enabling students to be tested and demonstrate their proficiency.

Programs impacted by Perkins READI AI:
Industrial Maintenance/Mechatronics

Workforce partner: 
NSK Steering Systems