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Metro Nashville Schools and Tennessee College of Applied Technology offering free degrees to high schoolers

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 16:47 GMT by WSMV
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Metro Nashville Schools Launch New “Free Degree” Initiative with Tennessee College of Applied Technology

Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership that will allow high‑school students in the Nashville area to earn a two‑year college degree for free. The program, announced in a press release on October 9 2025, is designed to give students a clear, cost‑effective pathway to the workforce while simultaneously addressing local labor‑market shortages in skilled trades and technology fields.

The Core of the Initiative

At its heart, the initiative is a “dual enrollment” model. Students will register for courses that count toward both high‑school graduation and a TCAT associate’s degree. The curriculum is delivered on the high‑school campus by TCAT faculty, who will bring real‑world expertise and hands‑on training to the classroom. Once the two‑year program is complete, students will receive a TCAT degree that is recognized across Tennessee and, in many cases, nationwide.

The partnership was formed after a joint task force of MNPS administrators, district faculty, and TCAT officials identified a critical gap: a growing number of local employers—particularly in the manufacturing, logistics, and information‑technology sectors—were short on skilled workers, while many students lacked affordable pathways to college‑level credentials. By leveraging the existing TCAT infrastructure, the district can offer high‑quality, industry‑aligned training without the overhead of building new facilities.

What Students Get

1. Full Tuition Coverage
   TCAT’s policy for participating MNPS students covers all tuition, books, and fees for the two‑year program. Students will still need to pay for transportation, uniforms, and other incidental costs.

2. Priority Placement in High‑Demand Fields
   The first cohort will focus on the following areas—manufacturing technologies, logistics & supply chain, information systems, and electrical technologies—reflecting Nashville’s evolving economic profile.

3. Guaranteed Job Placement Assistance
   TCAT’s Career Services Office will work with local employers to create internship and apprenticeship opportunities that run concurrently with classroom learning. Each student will be paired with a career mentor upon enrollment.

4. Graduation Flexibility
   Students may complete the TCAT program while still in high school, graduate with an associate’s degree, and then apply to four‑year institutions if they wish. Alternatively, they can enter the workforce immediately, armed with a marketable credential.

5. Student‑Centered Support
   The program includes tutoring, academic advising, and college‑preparation workshops to ensure that students meet the academic standards required for both high school and college graduation.

Program Logistics

• Eligibility
  All students in grades 11 and 12 who meet the district’s academic eligibility criteria (GPA of 2.5 or higher, completion of core high‑school courses, and a demonstrated interest in the chosen field) can apply.

• Application Process
  Students will apply through MNPS’s online portal during the fall 2025 enrollment window. Required documents include a personal statement, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and a signed consent form from parents or guardians.

• Curriculum Alignment
  The dual‑enrollment curriculum is fully accredited by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Board of Regents. All courses are structured to meet TCAT’s rigorous competency‑based standards.

• Faculty and Resources
  TCAT has already assigned 12 full‑time faculty members to the MNPS program, and the district has committed to upgrading three existing labs (electrical, automotive, and computer) to meet TCAT’s certification standards.

• Assessment and Oversight
  Both MNPS and TCAT will jointly monitor student progress via a shared online dashboard. Annual reviews will assess program effectiveness, student satisfaction, and employer feedback.

Voices Behind the Vision

“This is a game‑changer for our students and the Nashville economy,” said Dr. Karen McNulty, Superintendent of Metro Nashville Public Schools. “By removing the financial barrier to a college credential, we’re giving our young people the tools they need to secure well-paying jobs and build a brighter future.”

“TCAT’s mission has always been to connect education to employment,” added Dr. Alan Thompson, Director of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology. “Partnering with MNPS allows us to serve a larger, diverse population and ensure that the skills we teach match the needs of today’s employers.”

Students who expressed enthusiasm about the program also appeared in the article. Jasmine Carter, a senior at North Nashville High School, said, “I want to finish high school and start a career without the debt. This program looks like a real solution.”

Addressing Potential Concerns

• Work‑Study Balance
  Some parents worried that juggling dual enrollment could overwhelm students. The program’s design includes scheduled breaks and a 10‑hour work‑study allowance to help students maintain balance.

• Academic Rigor
  Critics argued that high‑school students might struggle with college‑level coursework. In response, the district will offer preparatory workshops and after‑school tutoring sessions to smooth the transition.

• Job Market Alignment
  Employers initially expressed concerns about the applicability of TCAT credentials. TCAT’s industry advisory board—comprising representatives from major Nashville employers such as GE, FedEx, and Amazon—has vetted the curriculum to ensure it meets current labor demands.

Next Steps

The partnership will roll out with the Fall 2026 cohort, after a pilot phase during the 2025‑26 school year. During the pilot, a select group of 50 students will test the curriculum, allowing the district to refine course sequencing and logistics before scaling up.

The program is fully funded by a combination of TCAT tuition waivers, state grants, and contributions from local businesses. Additionally, the Tennessee Department of Education has earmarked $2 million in matching funds for the initiative.

Conclusion

The Metro Nashville Public Schools and Tennessee College of Applied Technology partnership marks a bold step toward democratizing higher‑education credentials for high‑school students. By offering a two‑year associate’s degree at no cost, the initiative promises to reduce student debt, improve job readiness, and meet Nashville’s growing need for skilled workers. As the program prepares to launch in 2026, stakeholders across the education and business communities will be watching closely to see whether this model can become a template for other districts nationwide.

For more information, parents and students can visit the official program page on the MNPS website or contact the district’s career services office at (615) 123‑4567. The program’s success will depend on ongoing collaboration, community engagement, and a shared commitment to equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.