Statewide Agreement Provides Pathway for Community Colleges and TCATs

Andrea Byerly
Monday, May 15, 2023 12:00 AM
Academics, Press Releases, All

CLEVELAND, TN – A recent statewide partnership between Tennessee’s community and technical colleges is providing a seamless pathway where students can earn a credential at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) and apply those credits to an aligned program at a partnering community college. With the increasing demand for more specialized training in technical careers, the new articulation agreement between the state’s technical and community colleges helps align workforce training with industry need.

Initiated by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), the agreement includes more than 20 programs offered throughout Tennessee’s technical colleges that allow students to apply credits earned toward an associate of applied science degree at Cleveland State Community College. Credentials earned in TCAT programs such as administrative office technology, industrial maintenance, manufacturing technology, computer information systems, welding and more can now be applied toward an associate degree offered at Cleveland State.

“This landmark agreement creates a seamless transfer process for students to continue their education and helps support local industry by providing the skills and education needed for in-demand fields,” said Cleveland State President Dr. Ty Stone. “I appreciate the work of TBR to establish these pathways for our students and our communities.”

The articulation agreement is one of several initiatives led by TBR to supply business and industry with a pipeline of employees equipped with industry-recognized certifications. Through the new pathways, TCAT graduates can earn credentials for in-demand jobs needed now, and use credits earned toward an associate degree that will add value to their skillset and a deeper knowledge of their chosen career field.

“This is a systemwide effort to help fill our state’s business and industry need for more skilled workers in technical careers in Tennessee,” said TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “Our students can now benefit from taking the credentials they earn at a TCAT and apply them toward completion of an associate of applied science degree at one of our community colleges.”