The Tennessee Department of Education’s Division of Postsecondary, Workforce, CTE (Career and Technical Education) and Military Readiness is focused on ensuring every student graduates from high school ready for what's next. The approach is built on four core pillars: 1) Credentials of Value, 2) Seamless Transitions, 3) Individualized Advising and 4) Work-Based Learning. These focus areas work together to help students gain the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to thrive in today’s economy.
The Tennessee Department of Education believes that students do better when they have access to industry-recognized credentials, early college opportunities, personalized career guidance and hands-on experiences. The department reports that the CTE graduation rate is currently 99%. According to a study by the Office of Evidence and Impact, students who participated in WBL courses are nearly 25% more likely to seamlessly enroll in postsecondary education after graduation and have a 12% higher postsecondary completion rate. Tennessee teams up with school districts, colleges, industry leaders and community organizations to expand opportunities that put students at the center of the work. Through support for educators, dual enrollment programs, career pathway development, and real-world learning, Tennessee is dedicated to helping students set themselves up for long-term success.
Credentials of Value
Tennessee ensuring students have access to top-quality postsecondary credentials that boost both academic achievement and career prospects while still in high school. By syncing secondary and postsecondary education with what the workforce needs, students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to step into in-demand careers.
To support this shift, the Tennessee Department of Education, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development are teaming up. This partnership seeks to simplify credential lists, unify language and match credential offerings to labor market demands. This collaboration helps ensure that the credentials students earn meet industry standards and deliver real value beyond graduation.
Tennessee is committed to maintaining this momentum by regularly reviewing credential options, keeping an eye on labor market trends and fine-tuning opportunities so students can access relevant credentials that set them up for future success.
Seamless Transitions
Tennessee is working to empower students with the tools and resources they need to smoothly transition from high school into college, the workforce or military service.
Starting in seventh and eighth grade, career aptitude assessments help students discover their interests and strengths, while High School and Beyond Plans act as personalized guides for academic and career choices. The state is also working toward college admissions by adopting common application processes and automatic admission initiatives. Policies and programs are in place to assist students with financial aid options, credit transfer opportunities and access to career-focused training. By aligning these educational supports with students’ individual goals, Tennessee is committed to helping learners confidently pursue the paths that suit them best.
Individualized Advising
Tennessee is stepping up its game in personalized advising with the rollout of a comprehensive career coach network. This initiative aims to give students reliable, high-quality support tailored to their aspirations. Key steps include conducting a statewide inventory to better understand where and how many career coaches and advising professionals are available. Tennessee is also exploring vendor partnerships, expanding professional development opportunities, and offering certification pathways to boost advising quality and consistency. All these efforts are designed to ensure students get personalized guidance that truly aligns with their goals and future opportunities.
Work-Based Learning
Tennessee is dedicated to helping students see how their classroom learning connects to future careers through engaging work-based learning experiences. Applying academic and technical skills in real-world work settings is a key part of getting ready for the workforce. Work-based learning offers a range of experiences, whether in person, virtual, or simulated, that include project-based learning, research projects, school-run businesses, internships, apprenticeships and cooperative education. These opportunities allow students to build both technical and transferable skills and gain firsthand exposure to various careers. Employers also benefit by connecting with and developing the talent of tomorrow.
Looking Ahead
Tennessee’s CTE model complements postsecondary readiness by allowing students to meet academic graduation requirements through hands-on experiences while earning college credit or other workforce credentials. Success is not defined by a single pathway. Whether students pursue employment, apprenticeships, certifications, military service, community college or a university, Tennessee is committed to opening doors that support individual opportunity, long-term economic growth and a stronger future for all.
