Lottery, Scholarships and Programs - As introduced, adds William R. Moore College of Technology as an eligible institution for receipt of the Wilder-Naifeh reconnect grant and Wilder-Naifeh technical skills grant; specifies that the amount of the scholarship for such students enrolled is the average cost of tuition and mandatory fees at TCATs less all other gift aid. - Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 4.

SB 719 adds William R. Moore College of Technology as an eligible institution for Tennessee’s Wilder-Naifeh technical skills and reconnect grants. It allows students at this college to receive grants covering the average tuition and fees at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), minus other gift aid like Pell Grants. The bill specifies the college must meet criteria including 75+ years in Tennessee, Council on Occupational Education accreditation, and offering bachelor’s degrees via articulation agreements. This change applies to the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond, directly affecting students enrolled in its certificate or diploma programs.