The Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant is for Tennessee students pursuing hands-on training at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology, not at every college in the state. The Board of Regents lists up to $2,000 per year for students who meet age, residency, enrollment, and progress rules. The award targets certificate and diploma programs, so compare a course plan and its length with the occupations it prepares students to enter.
Published general rules require applicants to be at least 18, have lived in Tennessee for at least one year before enrollment, and meet program admission requirements. Full-time and part-time students may qualify, but they must maintain satisfactory academic progress and continuous enrollment. If a student leaves the college or changes programs, ask immediately whether eligibility carries over; do not assume a break transfers automatically to another campus.
The application starts with the FAFSA and enrollment in a TCAT certificate or diploma program. TBR lists deadlines tied to its trimesters: July 1 for summer, November 1 for fall, and March 1 for winter/spring. As of this October 2026 review, the fall date has passed; the next state winter/spring date is March 1, 2027. The campus may require additional steps, so ask before building a term budget.
“Up to $2,000” is the published annual ceiling, not a promise that every student will receive that amount or that all costs will be covered. Ask whether it applies to tuition, fees, or a balance after other aid, how renewal works, and what pace or GPA the school requires. Keep FAFSA confirmation, technical-program admission, and the financial-aid response. If funding is limited or charges remain, compare institutional scholarships and payment plans before turning to private credit.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle and deadline, participating institution, enrollment load, and required documents. Keep copies of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, supporting records, and submission confirmation. Ask whether renewal is automatic, which expenses are covered, and how the award coordinates with other grants. Do not rely on funds until you receive an official award and written balance estimate.
Compare net cost and aid type: a grant, forgivable loan, and service scholarship work differently. Confirm dates and requirements directly with the administrator for the current cycle.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Wilder-Naifeh Grants — Tennessee Board of Regents.
More Information on Wilder-Naifeh — Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology.
FAFSA — Federal Student Aid.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Funding, eligibility, and dates can change by cycle. Confirm your circumstances with the administrator and financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant
The Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant is for Tennessee students pursuing hands-on training at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology, not at every college in the state. The Board of Regents lists up to $2,000 per year for students who meet age, residency, enrollment, and progress rules. The award targets certificate and diploma programs, so compare a course plan and its length with the occupations it prepares students to enter.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Tennessee Board of Regents · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Tennessee Board of Regents · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant ↗
Primary source
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.