If your organization's application is approved, SHIFT will be in touch with how many learners should be be enrolled. The number depends on your organization's size, and whether your organization intends to pursue accreditation.

SHIFT encourages organizations to be strategic in the selection of staff that will participate in this education. This is because we know that having the right people supporting your Employment First initiative will significantly increase the odds of your success. SHIFT suggests that you consider the following:

• Include representation from all levels of the organization - from direct support to executive leadership.
• Include representation from all core service areas (residential, vocational, medical, etc.).
• Select people who have an interest in supporting employment.
• Select people who are influential in the organization.
• Select people who have the capacity and willingness to meet the educational requirements, including the 90 day completion timeline.

Once all required learners have successfully completed their coursework and earned their certifications, the organization becomes eligible to be considered for Employment First Accreditation. Being rewarded scholarship funds for accreditation does not guarantee entrance into the process, formal application and approval requirement. SHIFT staff will advise you through this process and guide your work through the steps toward accreditation.

Employment First accreditation is not simply a standards review. It is an operational partnership. Organizations gain direct access to national experts in competitive integrated employment, organizational transformation, and systems alignment who understand the policy, funding, workforce, and cultural realities of advancing Employment First in complex service environments.

SHIFT experts provide focused, practical guidance to strengthen employment infrastructure, align service planning and performance expectations, refine outcome tracking, and address structural barriers that limit competitive integrated employment. They support organizations in translating philosophical commitment into measurable employment outcomes.

This partnership accelerates systems change, minimizes fragmentation across departments, and ensures that Employment First becomes embedded in leadership strategy, daily practice, and organizational accountability—not confined to a single program or team.

Organizations committed to advancing Employment First practices are invited to apply for a fully funded opportunity to participate in SHIFT's Employment First Education and Accreditation. This scholarship opportunity is designed to support organizations at every stage of their Employment First journey, from building foundational workforce competencies to achieving or maintaining Employment First Accreditation.

What the scholarship covers: Organizations may choose to apply for Employment First education, Employment First accreditation, or both.

Eligible uses of scholarship funds include:

• New Employment First certifications needed to meet accreditation requirements.
• Certification renewals required to maintain accreditation eligibility and organizational certification thresholds.
• Initial Employment First Accreditation for organizations pursuing accreditation for the first time.
• Re-accreditation for organizations seeking to maintain their accredited status and demonstrate continued commitment to Employment First principles and practices.

How to apply:

1. Review the organizational scholarship details and questions in advance.

2. Prepare thoughtful, thorough narrative responses. Drafting your responses in Word or another document before submitting is strongly recommended.

3. Submit this Scholarship Application by July 31, 2026.

4. When asked for Project Name, enter EF:TNDDAFY27

What we look for:

Applications should include thoughtful, well-developed responses to each question. In most cases, responses should be approximately 3–6 sentences per prompt. Applications that are incomplete or do not provide sufficient detail may not be considered for funding.

Selection process:

Applications will be reviewed jointly by SHIFT subject matter experts and representatives from Tennessee DDA. Scholarship funding is limited, and awards will be based on organizational readiness, demonstrated commitment to Employment First practices, alignment with project goals, and available funding.

What the scholarship covers:

The scholarship may be used for:

• Initial enrollment in a SHIFT Employment First certification program.
• Certification renewals for individuals whose certifications are approaching expiration.

How to apply:

1. Review the available course options under the Online Education section above.

2. Select the certification or renewal opportunity that best aligns with your professional goals.

3. Submit this Scholarship Application by July 31, 2026.

4. When asked for Project Name, enter EF:TNDDAFY27

What we look for:

Applicants should provide thoughtful, well-developed responses to each question. In most cases, responses should be approximately 3–6 sentences per prompt. Incomplete applications or responses that do not adequately address the questions may not be considered.

Selection process:

Applications will be reviewed by SHIFT subject matter experts and Tennessee DDA representatives. Scholarship funding is limited, and awards will be based on the quality of the application, alignment with Employment First principles, and available funding.

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your expertise, advance your organization’s impact, and help lead the future of Employment First in Tennessee!