Kingsport Presents Education Program To Harvard
Kingsport was among 16 finalists to present homegrown initiatives at
the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University on
Wednesday, May 27th.‚ Kingsport was
selected as one of the 16 finalists for the Innovations in American
Governance Award from the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and
Innovation, which originally
had more than 600 applicants. For the presentation, the city presented
its achievements in
educational policy since 1999.‚ Presenting for the City of Kingsport
were Mayor Dennis Phillips and Dr. Bill Locke, President of Northeast
State Community College.
The Ash Institute describes the Innovations in American Governance
Award as "a significant force in recognizing and promoting excellence
and
creativity in the public sector. Through its annual awards competition,
the Program provides concrete evidence that government can work to
improve the quality of life for citizens and that it deserves greater
public trust. By highlighting exemplary models of governments
innovative performance, the Program serves as a catalyst for continued
progress in addressing the nations most pressing public concerns."
Kingsport presented achievements in the Higher Education program and
developments in educational policy over the past 10 years and
emphasized the improvements in the economic and educational base since
implementation of programs such as the Educate and Grow scholarship
program and the creation of the Regional Center for Applied
Technology.‚ These initiatives have been fundemental to the
revitalization of the downtown area and have produced more jobs, higher
property values, and most importantly a more educated citizenry and
workforce.‚ The winners will be announced in September.‚ Three top
prizes of $100,000 will be awarded and three will be awarded $50,000.‚ ‚
To read the Times-News article about the Award Presentation click here.
To view an overview of the finalists click here.
NEW –> To view the video of the presentation click here.