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 competitive integrated 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.

TN DDA and SHIFT are proud to offer two exciting Employment First scholarship opportunities - one for individual professionals and one for provider organizations - each designed to expand access to quality education and build stronger Employment First systems across Tennessee.

For Individual Professionals:

If you currently work in—or are seeking to work in—employment services, this is your chance to strengthen your skills and earn a SHIFT Employment First Certification at no cost.

What the scholarship covers: Full tuition for SHIFT’s Employment First education and certification.

How to Apply:

1. Review your course options under Online Education above.

2. Select the course that best fits your goals. Note that the EFJD is ACRE approved.

3. Complete this Scholarship Application which will remain open as long as project funds are still available.

What We Look For:

Provide thoughtful, well-developed responses to each question (typically 3–6 sentences per prompt). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but scholarships are limited. Selected applicants will be notified by email with enrollment details.

For Provider Organizations:

Organizations dedicated to advancing Employment First practices can apply for a fully funded opportunity to participate in SHIFT’s Employment First Education & Accreditation Program—a comprehensive initiative that builds sustainable systems change.

What the scholarship covers:Education for staff at all levels of the organization - from direct support staff to employment specialists to organizational leadership.  Once all educational requirements are met, organizations will have the opportunity to apply for SHIFT’s Employment First Accreditation program.  Organizations accepted into the accreditation program will be partnered with subject matter experts to guide them through the process of developing the policies, procedures, systems and processes rooted in standards and best practices.  

How to Apply:

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

2. Prepare thoughtful, thorough narrative responses (drafting in Word first is recommended).

3. Submit this Scholarship Application which will remain open as long as project funds are still available.
   

Selection:

Applications will be reviewed by SHIFT subject matter experts and TN DDA representatives. A limited number of provider agencies will be selected and notified directly once decisions are made.

Questions?

Contact Constance Harrington, Director of Education & Accreditation, at [email protected] regarding questions about SHIFT education or accreditation.  

Contact Carrie Brna, State Director of Employment Innovation & Community Inclusion, at [email protected] regarding questions about the scholarship program offered by TN DDA.   

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