Skill Up Tennessee: Workforce Education that Works

This session chronicles the successes of The University of Tennessee Extension’s (UT Extension) work as a third-party partner in the delivery of workforce development programming geared toward individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. An overview of the federal program funding this work and a discussion of how UT Extension forged a state-level partnership for the delivery of workforce services will be discussed. Initial markers of program success will be offered. Finally, in an effort to advance Extension’s capacity in workforce development, lessons learned will be outlined.
Presented by Dr. Sneed, Assistant Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist. Dr. Sneed began his career with UT serving as an Employment Career Specialist with the UT Network. In this capacity, he was responsible for working with clients as they transitioned from public assistance to full-time employment. Since 2004, Dr. Sneed has worked for UT Extension serving in various capacities currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist. As an Assistant Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist, Dr. Sneed is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating research-based adult and youth Extension programs in Consumer Economics. Dr. Sneed's specific focus areas include behavioral economics, workforce development for limited resource populations, programming for limited resource audiences, and programs in family resource management. Dr. Sneed's research interests center on consumer behavior especially as it relates to food resource management and food access. Dr. Sneed's extensive external funding and his scholarly works position him as a leader in the fields of local foods, food marketing, food resource management and access, and family resource management.