Connected Communities pilot projects
TVA’s Connected Communities initiative works with organizations to fund and support pilot projects that address urgent needs and equitably improve communities across the Tennessee Valley Region. These pilot projects aim to improve communities’ access to digital services, scale economic opportunities and become more resilient and prepared for the future of energy.
To ensure a tech-skilled regional workforce, the Connected Communities initiative partners with communities and organizations to ideate and develop workforce development opportunities for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries emerging from the energy system of the future.
Helping build the workforce of the future
Addressing workforce development in the Valley region requires a look beyond the next decade. In partnership with the University of Tennessee, East Tennessee PBS, a Connected Communities partner, brings STEM-related content directly to students through the JobPop! series.
With fun and engaging 60-second videos and companion lesson plans, this pilot project helps bridge the gap between education and industry, igniting curiosity and passion for STEM careers that support future economic growth in the TVA service region. Digital curriculum for teachers, parents and students accompanies the videos to expand engagement around regional workforce development.
This work aims to improve the value students place on their education by demonstrating real-world opportunities that are visible and accessible and highlighting TVA employees’ STEM-related roles. TVA’s own Sam Dean was featured in a JobPop! Video and shared his insights and experience with being a programmer and helping tomorrow’s workforce envision a future in technology through his experience with programming Spot, the robot dog.
Through this work, Connected Communities and East Tennessee PBS hope to inspire the next generation of analytical thinkers and creative problem-solvers, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers for years to come.
JobPop! wins big at Telly Awards
The Connected Communities initiative in partnership with the East Tennessee PBS is already inspiring others through their work. Recently, the JobPop! series won big at the Telly Awards.
The Telly Awards is an annual competition that honors excellence and celebrates creativity and innovation in video production, showcasing the best work among 13,000+ entries from agencies, companies and individuals worldwide.
The JobPop! series is being globally recognized for its innovative approach to helping students envision future careers in STEM.
Gold Award: Children’s Television Episode
Learn why Sam Dean, TVA Quantitative Analyst, compares programming robot dog, Spot, to building with Legos.
JobPop!: Machinist
Silver Award: Children’s Television Episode
Silver Award: Children’s Video in Education and Discovery Series
Silver Award: Children’s Television Series
Explore machine-related careers and how these professionals use microscopic precision to create everyday items.