New Partnership Provides Nashville’s High School Grads with Tuition-Free Technical Training

McGavock High School students taking part in a CTE class (Photo by MNPS)

Leaders of Metro Nashville Public Schools and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Nashville announced a partnership Thursday afternoon to provide high school graduates with a tuition-free way to earn technical diplomas and industry certifications.

A news release sent to the Tennessee Firefly says the program expands access to high-wage career training in areas such as industrial trades, construction, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Under the program, students who complete a TCAT dual-enrollment course while in high school and meet Tennessee Promise requirements will receive priority placement for the next available seat at TCAT Nashville, tuition-free, typically beginning the summer after graduation.

“Our graduates who have completed Career and Technical Education pathways and dual-enrollment programs with TCAT now have the opportunity to continue their education at TCAT Nashville and earn technical diplomas and certifications tuition-free. This is how we get things done here in Nashville,” said Dr. Adrienne Battle, MNPS Superintendent. “We are always looking to create opportunities for our talented students, and we are thrilled to make this possible with our partners at TCAT Nashville.”

McGavock High School Recognized for CTE

Dr. Battle announced the partnership at McGavock High School, which houses one of the district’s largest career and technical education (CTE) campuses. McGavock is one of multiple district high schools that have dual-enrollment agreements with TCAT.

TCAT Nashville President Nathan Garrett said the new partnership aligns with the college’s mission to connect education directly to meaningful careers.

“At TCAT Nashville, we are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Metro Nashville Public Schools to create new, tangible opportunities for students—opportunities that lead directly to great careers and better lives,” Garrett said. “This partnership is about removing barriers. It’s about saying to every student: if you’re ready to work hard, your future is waiting—and it does not come with student debt.”

The Tennessee Board of Regents recently named TCAT Nashville its TCAT College of the Year.