TSSAA Partnership Seeks to Help Student Athletes Succeed After High School

Football players entering a game (Photo by the TSSAA)

Leaders of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association(TSSAA) and the TBR - The College System of Tennessee announced the continuation of a partnership this school year that’s designed to encourage student-athletes to continue their education beyond high school.

The partnership will produce TBR (frequently referred to as the Tennessee Board of Regents) branding at all TSSAA High School and Middle School State Championships, as well as messaging through social media, e-blasts, e-newsletters, and event streaming throughout the year.

“Partnering with the TSSAA allows us to connect with Tennessee’s 150,000+ student-athletes, their families, and communities to share the life-changing opportunities available through the College System of Tennessee,” said John Williams, TBR associate vice chancellor for government and public relations. “Our goal is to provide affordable, high-quality education and training that leads directly to rewarding careers, and this partnership helps us make that vision a reality.”

Education Aligned With Tennessee Industry Needs

The TBR is the largest system of higher education in Tennessee, and it oversees Tennessee’s community colleges and colleges of applied technology (TCATs) at more than 175 teaching locations statewide.

A news release sent to the Tennessee Firefly stressed the important role Tennessee’s community colleges and TCATs serve to offer programs that are aligned with industry needs in a variety of fields, including healthcare, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and the trucking industry. TBR additionally aims to prepare students for the state’s emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, ceramic tile, and aviation.

“The partnership with the Tennessee Board of Regents and the state’s community colleges and TCATs aligns perfectly with the value our member schools place on higher education,” said TSSAA Executive Director Mark Reeves. “Together, we’re helping students and families across Tennessee see the incredible opportunities available to them after high school.”

Some of the programs offered through TBR colleges can be completed in 12 months or less, providing graduates with a quick path to enter the workforce.