The Educate and Grow Initiative represents the winner of the 2009 Harvard Ash Institute’s Innovations in American Government award.  Experiencing a declining economy and lower levels of education among its residents, the City of Kingsport realized it needed to diversify its economy and improve education services.  To combat these issues, Kingsport began the Educate and Grow Initiative in 2001.  The program aims to improve Kingsport’s economic development by making its workforce more competitive.  Through a partnership between the City of Kingsport and Sullivan County school district, the first K-14 schools in the nation were formed, enabling students more time in school.  Additionally, the partnership developed a dual enrollment program, scholarships to the local technical community college, and integration of medicine and technology into the secondary education curriculum.  This provides an innovative alternative to tax incentives for economic development.   Since implementation, Kingsport has seen growth of other industries besides manufacturing within their city limits including construction, hospitality, healthcare, information technology and professional service, indicating a more diverse economy.