Dyersburg, Tennessee – Dyersburg State Community College announces that it has been awarded $171,200 for the 2025-26 year and $457,000 across the next three years from the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging as part of the Tennessee Believes grant program. This funding will support expanding the Eagle Access program to the Jimmy Naifeh Center and continuing the program in Dyersburg at the Main Campus, enhancing our commitment to inclusive higher education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dyersburg State also has a Paris campus.
Discussing the impact of the grant, Eagle Access program Director Nikki Erickson stated, “We have seen a lot of success in the Eagle Access program on the Main Campus in Dyersburg and have had eight graduates from the program thus far. We are excited to expand these services to the Jimmy Naifeh Center in Covington, where we can provide this much-needed program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
The Tennessee Believes program fosters inclusive educational environments across the state. This year, $509,105 was awarded to five institutions. The funding will bolster existing programs and initiate new opportunities for students, promoting vocational skills, real-world experience, and workforce readiness.
DDA Commissioner Brad Turner emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “We are thrilled to continue empowering inclusive higher education through Tennessee Believes. These grants are crucial in promoting opportunity, excellence, and success for students of all abilities across the state.”
DSCC looks forward to implementing the Eagle Access Program at the Jimmy Naifeh Center and helping our students achieve their fullest potential as part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
For more information, please contact Ms. Nikki Erickson, Program Director, at (731) 286-3208 or erickson@dscc.edu.