The Morning Pointe Foundation has launched three new scholarships for TCAT students at Chattanooga State Community College: a culinary scholarship of $1,000 each year for three years, a physical therapist assistant scholarship of $1,500 each year for three years, and a practical nursing scholarship of $1,500 each year for three years.
The school selects the recipients, and students do not need to be employees of Morning Pointe Senior Living.
Spirit Airlines adds three Chattanooga routes
Spirit Airlines has added three nonstop routes out of Chattanooga Airport. Beginning June 4, Spirit will introduce direct service between Chattanooga and Newark Liberty International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Orlando International Airport. This service expansion will utilize Spirit’s modern Airbus A320 aircraft, which has a capacity of 176 seats.
Guests will pay an introductory fare starting at $50 for one-way travel from June 4-Aug. 12. Tickets must be purchased 14 days in advance to be eligible.
Tech accelerator graduates first cohort
The local workforce gained eight trained data analysts following the completion of the Chattanooga Tech Accelerator’s inaugural cohort.
Cohort members were chosen from an applicant pool of more than 180 candidates. Each trainee underwent a one-hour assessment that measured their abilities in spreadsheet management and basic data entry.
The six-week course gave trainees industry certifications from Microsoft, Google and LinkedIn. These credentials will prepare graduates for roles in data entry, data management and data annotation.
Trainees received a stipend to assist with transportation and child care, as well as a laptop to support their professional development.
Soft skill development sessions were coordinated in partnership with ChaTech and featured speakers from Chattanooga’s tech economy addressing time management, professional communication, job application, financial literacy and other topics.
The Chattanooga Tech Accelerator was developed through Chattanooga 2.0’s Viable Pathways to Prosperity initiative. Local partners include Tech Goes Home Tennessee, ChaTech, Chattanooga State Community College, Apprenticeship Works and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
Funders for the inaugural cohort include the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, the Benwood Foundation, Tennessee American Water, Tennessee SCORE and the Chattanooga Industrial Development Board.
“A household in our area must earn at least $50,000 per year to make ends meet,” says Chattanooga 2.0 Executive Director Keri Randolph.
“Wages in fields like software development and technology will continue to be strong for the foreseeable future. We couldn’t be prouder of these graduates and are excited to welcome our next class.”
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BlueCross supports Tivoli restoration
The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation is investing $1 million to support the restoration and expansion of the historic Tivoli Theatre, known as “the Jewel of South.”
The Tivoli restoration will update the existing space to ensure patron comfort and enhance visitor experience through an expanded lobby area, improved ADA accessibility, easily accessible elevators and an improved ventilation system, as well as exterior maintenance.
The Tivoli Theatre Foundation is also working to expand the theater’s footprint through the renovation of the former Fowler Brothers Building, which will reopen as the new Tivoli Performing Arts Center, housing the Bobby Stone Theatre and providing additional space for shows, rehearsals and programming.
In appreciation of the BlueCross Foundation’s investment, the main stage at the Tivoli will be renamed as the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation Stage at the Tivoli Theatre when the facility reopens in 2026.