HERMITAGE, Tenn. (WGNS) - The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and TBR – The College System of Tennessee announced the official renewal of their statewide partnership on Tuesday (September 22nd). The agreement extends through the 2026-27 school year and focuses on guiding local high school student-athletes toward post-secondary education and career training options.

The joint initiative targets over 154,500 student-athletes across the state. As part of the rollout, TBR branding and educational materials will appear at all TSSAA and Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association championship events, as well as on social media platforms, e-newsletters, and digital streams.

For students in Rutherford County, the initiative highlights regional educational assets including Motlow State Community College and TCAT Murfreesboro. Across the state, TBR operates 13 community colleges and 22 colleges of applied technology (TCATs) spanning more than 175 teaching locations. Signature state financial aid programs, including Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, allow eligible graduating high school seniors and returning adults to attend tuition-free for up to two years.

TBR institutions partner directly with local employers to build career-focused technical programs, many of which take 12 months or less to complete. Academic tracks include healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, trucking, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, ceramic tile, and aviation. Students seeking a four-year degree can also utilize transfer pathways toward a bachelor's degree.

"This partnership puts the College System in front of 154,500+ student-athletes, their families and their communities," said John Williams, TBR associate vice chancellor for government and public relations. "We want them to see that affordable, high-quality training leading to a real career is within reach — often just down the road."

TSSAA Executive Director Mark Reeves emphasized the commitment of member schools to student success after high school. "Working with the Tennessee Board of Regents, we're helping families across the state discover the opportunities waiting for them," Reeves said.

Residents and families looking for more information on available campus programs can visit www.tbr.edu/gotthis.