865 Academies - Knoxville Education Foundation

Our Initiatives

Knox Education Foundation is the convening organization and original funder for the creation of The 865 Academies for Knox County Schools. The Academies model provides numerous opportunities for students to explore careers and pathways available post-high school. The 865 Academies empower KCS students to be more knowledgeable and better equipped to craft a plan to success after graduation anchored in one of the following goals:

Enrolling in postsecondary studies.
Enlisting in service to their country.
Finding Employment in a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand profession, with an Entrepreneurial mindset.

KEF utilizes its expertise to form collaborative and career-focused partnerships to support The 865 Academies. The 865 Academies require dedicated partner engagement with academy-aligned businesses, organizations, and industry partners to make a long-lasting, positive impact on KCS students. Knox County Schools provides the rich academic focus of the Academies model, and KEF manages the funding and cultivation of partners.

Knox County Schools and Knox Education Foundation’s commitment to the continued growth of The 865 Academies will allow students to participate in robust opportunities outside of the typical high school experience including:

Participation in authentic, work-based learning.
Job shadowing and other career exploration activities.
Working closely with professionals in their field of interest.
Creation of stronger connections between classroom knowledge and workplace success.

Partnership Interest Form

Partner with The 865 Academies

As The 865 Academies program continues to grow across Knox County, it is a great time to become a partner, help prepare the workforce, and make an impact on the future success of students. There are numerous opportunities for your business or organization to help positively impact KCS students, including hosting students to train in your area of expertise, supporting the professional development of The 865 Academy teachers by offering seminars or industry visits, and funding of the incredible work of The 865 Academies. Please consider becoming a partner, and Knox Education Foundation will guide you through the process.

Partner with The 865 Academies

As The 865 Academies program continues to grow across Knox County, it is a great time to become a partner, help prepare the workforce, and make an impact on the future success of students. There are numerous opportunities for your business or organization to help positively impact KCS students, including hosting students to train in your area of expertise, supporting the professional development of The 865 Academy teachers by offering seminars or industry visits, and funding of the incredible work of The 865 Academies. Please consider becoming a partner, and Knox Education Foundation will guide you through the process.

Partnership Interest Form

Cohort 1

Launched 2022

Austin-East Magnet High School

Bearden High School

Central High School

Farragut High School

Fulton High School

Hardin Valley Academy

Karns High School

L&N STEM Academy

Cohort 2

Launched 2023

Carter High School

South Doyle High School

Cohort 3

Launching 2024

Gibbs High School

Halls High School

Powell High School

West High School

Knox County Schools has a comprehensive website with video, in-depth information and FAQs about The 865 Academies. Click the button below to access the KCS website.

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