All Eyes on Clarksville-Montgomery County

Success Stories: All Eyes on Clarksville-Montgomery County, TN

Youth Academy Launches Industrial Park Childcare Center, Providing 800 Spots for Local Working Families

Clarksville-Montgomery County, Tennessee is breaking down workforce barriers with The Youth Academy Industrial Park Childcare Center – a transformative childcare solution located in the heart of the Montgomery County Industrial Park.

Through a groundbreaking public-private partnership, this 800-student facility provides affordable, high-quality care with a 15% discount available to Industrial Park employees and active-duty military families.

The Youth Academy’s extended hours – from 5:00 am to midnight – cater to an array of shift workers, ensuring they can focus on their careers with peace of mind, knowing their children are well-cared-for nearby.

This investment in accessible childcare strengthens the community and the industries that drive local growth, positioning Clarksville-Montgomery County as a leader in workforce support and talent retention.

TVA Workforce Invest – Skills Training That Transforms Lives and the Community

In partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Workforce Invest program, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Economic Development Council (CMC EDC) has launched a groundbreaking initiative to enhance workforce readiness.

Since 2022, the Workforce Invest grant has enabled CMC EDC to deliver high-demand trade skills training to 118 justice-involved individuals – those impacted by the justice system, either directly or indirectly – within the Montgomery County Jail. Collaborating with partners like the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee College of Applied Technology, and the American Job Center, participants gain essential certifications, including MIG Welding, OSHA 10, and forklift operator licensure.

This program not only supports local industry needs but also provides individuals with a renewed sense of purpose and a path to stable employment, reinforcing the community’s commitment to inclusive growth and opportunity.

Hispanic Entrepreneurs Academy – Empowering Local Business Growth and Talent

With the support of a $22,000 Tennessee Placemakers Grant, the Hispanic Entrepreneurs Academy is opening doors for local Latino entrepreneurs in Montgomery County. Led by founder Maria Jimenez, the academy offers courses in digital marketing, finance, HR policies, and accounting, providing essential skills for business growth and success.

A recent $50,000 award from Google enabled the Academy to equip students with computers, helping accelerate their business ventures.

In the 2024-2025 term, 40-50 entrepreneurs will complete this transformative program. Results speak volumes: 50% of graduates experience annual sales growth, 85% report greater business confidence, and 90% feel more connected to the local community, fueling a stronger, more inclusive economy in Clarksville-Montgomery County.

CDL Training Program – Paving the Way for Workforce Readiness

Thanks to a $100,000 TVA grant, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board has partnered with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) and Armored Trucking Academy to launch a no-cost CDL-A training program for high school students.

Spanning the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years, this initiative offers young talent a direct path into the high-demand trucking industry, equipping them with valuable skills and certifications at no expense to students or CMCSS.

By bridging education with industry needs, this program enhances workforce readiness and talent retention in Clarksville-Montgomery County, fostering an empowered next generation of skilled professionals.