🏆 Three TCAT Upper Cumberland Students Earn Scholarships at Women's Conference in Cookeville

The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Women’s Conference brought together approximately 200 women for a day focused on professional growth and community connection. Among the attendees were three students from TCAT Upper Cumberland at Bledsoe County, who were recognized and awarded scholarships for their dedication to their technical careers.

📍 Recognition for Women in Skilled Trades

Brooke Cook, Lisa Hill, and Nevaeh Davenport were honored by WISE (Wise Women’s Club) at the conference for their pursuit of careers in automotive technology, welding, and pharmacy technology respectively. WISE supports women in building confidence, navigating workplace bias, and gaining strategic career insights often missing from traditional professional development. The scholarships represent both recognition of these students’ commitment and investment in their futures within skilled trades.

💙 Why This Matters for the Region

The Upper Cumberland region faces ongoing demand for skilled workers across multiple industries. When educational institutions like TCAT Upper Cumberland at Bledsoe County actively participate in community events and celebrate student achievement, it strengthens the pipeline of trained professionals who will serve local employers and communities. The visibility of women succeeding in automotive, welding, and pharmacy technology also helps shift perceptions about who belongs in these fields-a critical step toward addressing workforce shortages.

TCAT Upper Cumberland staff attended the conference to support their students and connect with community partners. The institution emphasized that investing in professional development and community engagement directly benefits the students and communities they serve. This philosophy reflects a broader commitment to workforce development that extends beyond classroom instruction into real-world networking and mentorship.

🎓 What’s Next

For Cook, Hill, and Davenport, the scholarships and recognition provide both financial support and validation as they continue their technical training. For the Upper Cumberland region, the continued collaboration between educational institutions, chambers of commerce, and professional organizations like WISE strengthens the ecosystem that prepares workers for careers in high-demand fields.

Residents interested in learning more about TCAT Upper Cumberland at Bledsoe County’s programs can visit the institution’s website or contact them directly at (931) 484-7502. The school is located at 217 Charles Sheldon Sr Way in Pikeville, Tennessee.