IDB approves two $50,000 donations from tech workforce fund to support local training programs

The City of Chattanooga Industrial Development Board approved two resolutions to donate a total of $100,000 from the city‑appropriated technology workforce fund to local technology workforce training programs.

The board voted to donate $50,000 to support the Enterprise Center’s Tech Goes Home partnership with the City on the Hill “City on the Hill” program, which will fund an entry‑level, modular training program for at‑risk youth ages 16 to 21. Sherita Allen, senior advisor for economic and workforce development for the City of Chattanooga, said the technology workforce fund had a balance of $285,000 before the first item; approval of the first donation reduced the fund balance to $235,000.

Chris Sands, executive director of community safety, and Steve Bridal, CEO of CWS US, described City on the Hill as a 16‑week, cohort‑based program aimed at students from Brainerd, Howard and Tyner high schools and similar neighborhoods. Bridal said the cohort would begin with 30 students and that the program includes earned stipends, basic certifications and digital devices provided by Tech Goes Home. In the presentation, officials referenced a program‑level line item of $41,008 related to stipends and session costs.

The board then approved a second $50,000 donation to CoLab’s skills accelerator, which partners with Generator to provide a 10‑week reskilling program focused on IT help‑desk and project‑management certifications. Tashia Malacosta, CEO of CoLab, said the program targets unemployed and underemployed residents, provides lifetime support for participants after placement, and is designed to run recurring cohorts (30 participants per cohort, with programs starting every 30 days over a 12‑month period).

Both resolutions were presented as funded from the technology workforce fund. After both votes, the IDB chair announced each item passed by voice vote.

Votes at a glance: - Resolution (Item 8A): Donate $50,000 to Enterprise Center / Tech Goes Home — approved by voice vote; fund balance after approval: $235,000 (from $285,000). - Resolution (Item 8B): Donate $50,000 to CoLab / Generator skills accelerator — approved by voice vote; fund balance after approval: $185,000.

Representatives said the grants are intended to expand outreach, provide stipends, cover certification costs and purchase or supply devices. Several board members asked about placement support, stipend timing, and whether county or state partners would participate; presenters said CoLab and City on the Hill coordinate with the American Job Center, Workforce Development partners and local faith leaders for transportation and retention supports.

The board recorded motions, seconds and affirmative voice votes for both items; no members voted in opposition on the record.