The Training Program of the Tennessee Valley Authority for Negroes

Abstract

The Tennessee Valley Authority, a government-owned corporation, was created by act of Congress in May 1933. To carry on its program, the Authority has employed thousands of workers at its construction or operating projects, through its Training Division it has provided a program of education and training for these workers. For the Negro workers and their families programs of training have been conducted in five different areas; namely, Wheeler Dam and the Wheeler Dam Reservoir Clearance area, Pickwick Dam and the Pickwick Dam Reservoir Clearance area, Guntersville Dam and in the regions adjacent to it, in the Chattanooga area, and at Wilson Dam. The manner in which these programs were organized, the activities that have been provided for the workers, and the extent of participation in these activities as indicated by statistical data will give a partial picture of the aim and scope of these programs. The first program to be inaugurated by the Training Division for Negro workers was at Wheeler Dam. On this project, between a period extending from March 15, 1934, to December 1934 an average of 642 Negroes was employed. From January 15, 1935, to November 15, 1935, the average increased to 1,551. Approximately 67 per cent of these workers participated in the activities provided for them. THE PROGRAM AT WHEELER DAM