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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250905T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250905T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20250811T230621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250906T055517Z
UID:10000036-1757073600-1757077200@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Federal Focus\, Tennessee Lens: How Block Grants and Pell Could Reshape Tennessee
DESCRIPTION:In this webinar\, we examine the feasibility of block grants and the implications of the new workforce Pell program for Tennessee’s state financial aid. By the end\, you’ll leave with clear insights to help you understand what is coming and how it could shape opportunities for Tennessee’s students. \n\nSlide Deck \nWebinar Recording\nResources\n\n  \nREGISTER NOW
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/federal-focus/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251010T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251010T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20250910T185136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251010T194600Z
UID:10000037-1760097600-1760101200@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Federal Focus\, Tennessee Lens: How Federal Vouchers and the Earnings Premium Framework Threaten Educational Opportunity
DESCRIPTION:Join us on October 10\, 2025 at 12pm CT/1pm ET to explore how recent federal policy changes under the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” could impact educational opportunity for Tennessee’s students. \nDuring this session we will cover the Earnings Premium (EP) Framework\, which evaluates whether college programs help graduates earn more than peers who didn’t complete a similar program. Programs that fail this test risk losing access to federal student financial aid\, putting students’ access to higher education at risk. While the goal is to support student success and economic opportunity\, we want to better understand how this could affect students and career fields with low wages but provide significant social value\, such as teaching\, social work\, and community service roles that are essential for young people and communities across Tennessee. \nWe’ll also discuss the Federal Voucher Program that could divert $56 billion a year to a system that allows individuals to donate annually to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. While this may seem like “free money\,” every dollar in tax credits could be a dollar removed from public education\, healthcare\, and programs that serve most students\, widening inequities while diverting public dollars to private schools. \nAdvocates will leave with examples of how Tennessee organizations are engaging and affected\, stronger connections to national experts and resources\, and a clearer understanding of the potential effects of these changes in Tennessee\, including possible actions and timelines for engagement. \nView Slide DeckWatch Webinar Recording
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/federal-focus-vouchers-ep/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Kentucky/Louisville:20251118T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Kentucky/Louisville:20251118T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20251014T032756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T155106Z
UID:10000039-1763485200-1763492400@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Chattanooga Regional Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:Join EdTrust-Tennessee on Tuesday\, November 18 from 5pm – 7pm for our Chattanooga Regional Roundtable – co-sponsored by local and state organizations in the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education. As sweeping federal changes reshape the education landscape\, these gatherings offer a timely opportunity to bridge policy and community. Each event will bring together local advocates\, policy makers\, school community members\, and education leaders to explore what these shifts mean on the ground\, spotlight local solutions\, and strengthen our collective voice ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session. \nJoin us in Chattanooga to reflect\, strategize\, and build toward a more just future for Tennessee students. If you’re interested in attending a Regional Roundtable in Nashville\, Memphis\, Johnson City\, or Knoxville visit edtrusttn.org/regional-roundtable for more information. \nRegister today to get additional details and the event location. We hope to see you there! \nRegister Now
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/chattanooga-regional-roundtable/
LOCATION:Construction Career Center\, 2225 Roanoke Avenue\, Chattanooga\, TN\, 37406\, United States
CATEGORIES:Regional Roundtable 2025
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251120T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251120T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20251014T032756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T155207Z
UID:10000040-1763658000-1763665200@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Nashville Regional Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:Join EdTrust-Tennessee on Thursday\, November 20 for our Nashville Regional Roundtable – co-sponsored by local and state organizations in the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education. As sweeping federal changes reshape the education landscape\, these gatherings offer a timely opportunity to bridge policy and community. Each event will bring together local advocates\, policy makers\, school community members\, and education leaders to explore what these shifts mean on the ground\, spotlight local solutions\, and strengthen our collective voice ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session. \nRegister now to join us in Nashville to reflect\, strategize\, and build toward a more just future for Tennessee students. If you’re interested in attending a Regional Roundtable in Chattanooga\, Memphis\, Johnson City\, or Knoxville visit edtrusttn.org/regional-roundtable for more information. \nRegister Now
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/nashville-regional-roundtable/
LOCATION:Scarritt Bennett Center\, 1027 18th Avenue South\, Nashville\, TN\, 37212\, United States
CATEGORIES:Regional Roundtable 2025
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251202T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251202T190000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20251014T032755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T155334Z
UID:10000041-1764694800-1764702000@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Memphis Regional Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:Join EdTrust-Tennessee on Tuesday\, December 2 from 5pm – 7pm CT at the National Civil Rights Museum for our Memphis Regional Roundtable – co-sponsored by local and state organizations in the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education. As sweeping federal changes reshape the education landscape\, these gatherings offer a timely opportunity to bridge policy and community. Each event will bring together local advocates\, policy makers\, school community members\, and education leaders to explore what these shifts mean on the ground\, spotlight local solutions\, and strengthen our collective voice ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session. \nRegister now to join us in Memphis to reflect\, strategize\, and build toward a more just future for Tennessee students. If you’re interested in attending a Regional Roundtable in Chattanooga\, Nashville\, Johnson City\, or Knoxville visit edtrusttn.org/regional-roundtable for more information. \nRegister Now
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/memphis-regional-roundtable/
LOCATION:National Civil Rights Musuem\, 450 Mulberry St\, Memphis\, 38103\, United States
CATEGORIES:Regional Roundtable 2025
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Kentucky/Louisville:20251204T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Kentucky/Louisville:20251204T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20251014T032755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T155634Z
UID:10000038-1764856800-1764864000@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Johnson City Regional Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:Join EdTrust-Tennessee on Thursday\, December 4 at 2pm -4pm ET for our Johnson City Regional Roundtable – co-sponsored by local and state organizations in the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education. As sweeping federal changes reshape the education landscape\, these gatherings offer a timely opportunity to bridge policy and community. Each event will bring together local advocates\, policy makers\, school community members\, and education leaders to explore what these shifts mean on the ground\, spotlight local solutions\, and strengthen our collective voice ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session. \nRegister now to join us in Johnson City to reflect\, strategize\, and build toward a more just future for Tennessee students. If you’re interested in attending a Regional Roundtable in Chattanooga\, Memphis\, Nashville\, or Knoxville visit edtrusttn.org/regional-roundtable for more information. \nRegister Now
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/johnson-city-regional-roundtable/
LOCATION:Langston Centre\, 315 Elm Street\, Johnson City\, TN\, 37601\, United States
CATEGORIES:Regional Roundtable 2025
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Kentucky/Louisville:20251205T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Kentucky/Louisville:20251205T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20251014T032755Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T155607Z
UID:10000042-1764946800-1764954000@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Knoxville Regional Roundtable
DESCRIPTION:Join EdTrust-Tennessee on Friday\, December 5 from 3:00 to 5:00pm ET for our Knoxville Regional Roundtable – co-sponsored by local and state organizations in the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education. As sweeping federal changes reshape the education landscape\, these gatherings offer a timely opportunity to bridge policy and community. Each event will bring together local advocates\, policy makers\, school community members\, and education leaders to explore what these shifts mean on the ground\, spotlight local solutions\, and strengthen our collective voice ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session. \nRegister now to join us in Knoxville to reflect\, strategize\, and build toward a more just future for Tennessee students. If you’re interested in attending a Regional Roundtable in Chattanooga\, Memphis\, Nashville\, or Johnson City visit edtrusttn.org/regional-roundtable for more information. \nRegister Now
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/knoxville-regional-roundtable/
LOCATION:Beck Cultural Exchange Center\, 1927 Dandridge Ave\, Knoxville\, TN\, 37915\, United States
CATEGORIES:Regional Roundtable 2025
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260112T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260112T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20260105T202710Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T205147Z
UID:10000044-1768219200-1768222800@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:The Power of Us: 2026 Policy Agenda & Legislative Preview
DESCRIPTION:Resource GuideThe 2026 legislative session is right around the corner. For advocates and community members\, that can bring urgency\, hope\, and a little worry. With real challenges ahead for Tennessee’s students\, it can be hard to know what to expect\, where to focus\, and how to show up ready to make a difference. \nThat’s why EdTrust-Tennessee is convening advocates and community members across the state for The Power of Us: 2026 Policy Agenda & Legislative Preview on January 12 at 12pm CT/1pm ET. We’ll share practical advocacy resources and tools\, walk through the Tennessee Alliance for Equity in Education’s updated policy agenda\, and hear directly from partners and legislators about how to advocate effectively in the months ahead. \nIn a moment marked by uncertainty and real challenges\, our shared voice and coordinated action matter more than ever. By showing up together\, we expand what is possible for Tennessee students.
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/2026-legislative-preview/
CATEGORIES:Legislative
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260209T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260209T130000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20260112T210524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T184023Z
UID:10000045-1770638400-1770642000@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:The Undercount: Tennessee’s Narrow Poverty Definition Shortchanges Schools and Students
DESCRIPTION:The Undercount\, EdTrust-Tennessee’s new report\, reveals a critical problem: the state’s current economically disadvantaged definition leaves roughly 50% of eligible students unseen and under-resourced. \nAs the cost of housing\, food\, and childcare continues to rise\, too many families are struggling to make ends meet. We must act now to refine how we identify economically disadvantaged students to help ensure that the students in Tennessee’s communities have what they need to succeed. \nJoin us on January 26 at 3pm CT/4pm ET to learn how Tennessee’s narrow poverty definition is shortchanging schools and students and how you can get to involved to support meaningful legislative policy change. \nTennessee has already experienced unexpected drops in economically disadvantaged student counts as a result of SNAP changes in the first years of TISA implementation. Additional federal changes to SNAP will also soon take effect\, with stricter eligibility requirements\, further reducing the number of Tennessee students identified as economically disadvantaged. \nThis is a critical moment to understand what’s at stake and how to take action to ensure resources reach the students who need them most. Together\, we can push for policies that reflect the full spectrum of student need and unlock opportunity across for all Tennessee students. \nDownload Slide Deck
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/the-undercount-tennessees-narrow-poverty-definition-shortchanges-schools-and-students/
CATEGORIES:Legislative
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260223T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260223T143000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20260219T221015Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T192338Z
UID:10000047-1771853400-1771857000@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Education for All | 2026 Legislative Updates
DESCRIPTION:Register NowLast year\, the Education for All-Tennessee coalition halted the movement of HB793 (Lamberth)/SB836 (Watson)\, a cruel attempt to take away children’s freedom to learn based on who they are and how they came to call Tennessee home. This legislation was designed to challenge Plyler v. Doe\, the landmark Supreme Court decision that has protected every child’s right to learn.  If they succeed in opening challenges to Plyler\, schools nationwide could be forced to deny free public education to all children regardless of their immigration status.  \nNow Tennessee legislators are working to advance HB793/SB836 again\, and they’ve brought backup.    \nLegislators have resumed their coordinated attack on access to public education for Tennessee’s students by pairing HB793/SB836 with a new bill\, HB1711/SB2108. With a proposed amendment\, HB1711/SB2108 would force schools to check the immigration status of every student\, not just immigrant students. \nEnsuring every child has access to quality education strengthens our communities and builds a better society for all of us. That’s why we must keep showing up.  \nIn this webinar\, you’ll learn what these bills mean for students and families\, hear from Ignacia Rodriguez Kmec\, Policy Counsel at the National Immigration Law Center\, on the legal implications and national context of this legislation\, and find out how you can get involved with the Education for All-Tennessee coalition\, including ways to take action with our fellow steering committee members the TN Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition\, SOCM\, TN NAACP\, and Tennessee Education Association. 
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/education-for-all-2026-legislative-updates/
CATEGORIES:Legislative
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260302T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260302T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20260130T192105Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T210853Z
UID:10000046-1772463600-1772467200@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Understanding Tennessee’s Education Budget with The Sycamore Institute
DESCRIPTION:On February 2\, 2026\, Governor Lee delivered his final annual State of the State address and unveiled his priorities for the year and his recommendations for the 2026-2027 budget. Tennessee’s budget is one of the most significant pieces of public policy our governor and the Tennessee General Assembly tackle each year. Yet understanding what’s in it\, why it matters\, and how it works can be a challenge. Join EdTrust-Tennessee on Monday\, March 2 at 3:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM ET to reflect on Governor Lee’s budget and the important education implications it has for our students and schools communities. \nThis session will be led by policy expert Mandy Spears\, Executive Vice President of The Sycamore Institute\, an independent nonpartisan Public Policy Research Center that works to help Tennesseans understand the complex issues impacting our state by providing accessible\, reliable data and research. Each year\, the Sycamore Institute conducts a thorough analysis of Tennessee’s budget\, seeking to support stakeholders to understand where money comes from\, where it goes\, and what factors influence its flow through the state. Advocates will leave this session with resources and a better understanding of Tennessee’s budget content\, how the budget process works\, and how the budget will impact our education system this upcoming year. \nRegister
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/understanding-tennessees-education-budget-with-the-sycamore-institute-2/
LOCATION:Zoom Event
CATEGORIES:Legislative
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260306T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260306T123000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20260302T150550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T182416Z
UID:10000048-1772798400-1772800200@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Advocacy Alert: Legislative Briefing
DESCRIPTION:This concise\, information-packed 30-minute webinar will give advocates the key updates they need to effectively push for education access and opportunity at the Tennessee legislature. \nWe’ll discuss the two bills designed to challenge a constitutional and long-standing legal precedent that guarantees all children living in the United States access to free public school\, regardless of documentation status. \n\nSB836/HB793 would deny undocumented students access to public education.\nHB1711/SB2108 would force schools to check the immigration status of every student\, not just immigrant students. It includes a proposed amendment that contains a trigger provision aimed at overturning Plyler and passing HB793/SB836.\n\nRegister Now
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/leg-briefing-1/
CATEGORIES:Legislative
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260320T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260320T123000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20260313T145551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T145551Z
UID:10000049-1774008000-1774009800@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Advocacy Alert: Legislative Briefing
DESCRIPTION:Right now\, more than 100 education bills are moving through the Tennessee legislature\, and keeping up with them — on top of work\, school\, and daily responsibilities — is a real challenge. \nOn Friday\, March 20 at 12pm CT / 1pm ET\, EdTrust–Tennessee will host a 30‑minute Legislative Briefing to help cut through the noise. This concise\, information‑packed webinar will give advocates the key updates they need to effectively push for stronger education access and opportunity at the Tennessee legislature. \nRegister Now
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/advocacy-alert-legislative-briefing-3/
CATEGORIES:Legislative
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260402T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260402T163000
DTSTAMP:20260404T072146
CREATED:20260327T192831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260329T235142Z
UID:10000050-1775145600-1775147400@edtrusttn.org
SUMMARY:Advocacy Alert: The Voucher Expansion “Compromise” — Here’s What They’re Not Telling You.
DESCRIPTION:Tennessee policymakers are pushing to expand the state’s newest voucher program\, the Education Freedom Scholarship\, a program that uses public tax dollars to pay for certain families’ private school tuition. The program has only been in effect for a year\, with barely any transparency and no real accountability about whether or not the program works.    \nDespite bipartisan calls for more information on the voucher program\, policymakers have already blocked two bills that would have required basic data collection about the program’s impact.   \nWith no accountability measures in place\, Rep. Lamberth and Sen. Johnson on behalf of Governor Lee\, have set out to double the voucher program from 20\,000 to 40\,000 seats through HB 2532/SB 2247.   \nAfter receiving pushback from constituents and legislators on both sides of the aisle\, there are multiple proposed harmful amendments. Lawmakers are messaging the amendments as a compromise that would drop the number of vouchers to 35\,000 and reduce the cost to taxpayers.   \nThey’re calling this a compromise\, but it isn’t. Buried in the amendments are even more far-reaching changes\, including:  \n\nRemoving the cap on vouchers\, allowing the program to grow year after year based solely on what lawmakers allocate in the budget  \n\n\nExpanding the Education Savings Account (ESA)\, which also diverts public funds to private schools\, from 3 counties to 20 counties \n\n\nIncreasing the income limits for ESAs further opening the program to families who can already afford private schools \n\n\nEliminating the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP)\, a statewide testing requirement that assesses what our students know and what we can do to help them succeed\, as required testing for students in the ESA program \n\nThe result: public dollars diverted from public schools at a massive scale\, with almost no transparency and no accountability. That’s money that could go directly to the students and schools that need it most.   \nThis legislation is moving fast\, and we need you to join us  on Thursday\, April 2 from 4:00 – 4:30 PM to get the full picture on the impact of the voucher expansion bill and how we can take action together to push for the transparency and accountability Tennessee students deserve. \nRegister Now
URL:https://edtrusttn.org/event/advocacy-alert-the-voucher-expansion-compromise-heres-what-theyre-not-telling-you/
CATEGORIES:Legislative
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