Chattanooga State’s Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) was one of 47 community and technical colleges around the country to participate in National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day on February 16. A total of 33 new TN Promise students from 14 Tennessee high schools inked agreements for the 2017-18 school year. The signing ceremony recognizes their intention to pursue a technical career pathway.

Dr. Jim Barrott, Vice President, Technical Studies & TCAT Director, opened the day to a packed house of students, parents, and guests that included Debbie Adams, Interim President, Chattanooga State; Tom Griscom, Regent, Tennessee Board of Regents; Chelle Travis, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Services, TBR; Tim Spires, CEO Tennessee Association of Manufacturers; and David Cowan, CTE Director, Hamilton County Schools. SkillsUSA student, Brittany Smith advised students about growth and career opportunities that await them as TCAT students. Dr. Mike Rickets, TCAT dean, served as master of ceremonies.

“The future is bright for your sons and daughters when they complete the program they are committing to today. Our many partners in business and industry will tell you that as new technologies are incorporated into their processes, the need for workers completing a technical skills program beyond high school increases,” stated Chattanooga State Interim President Debbie Adams.

Students from the following high schools inked agreements. These students have a guaranteed spot in their selected program.

Automotive Technology: Soddy-Daisy High School - Levi Coffman; Central High School - Dwight Holloway, Jalen Morris, and Anthony Russell; Sequatchie County High School – Charles Ramsey 

Collision Repair: Rhea County High School – Michael Hale

Computer Support Technician: Brainerd High School - Travis Austin; Tyner Academy - Daniel Shirley; Sequoyah High School - Timmy Hawkins

Cosmetology: Central High School – Brianna Dobbs and Faith Jordan; Rhea County High School – Victoria Coulter; Meigs County High School  - Shelby Martin; Richard Hardy Memorial – Abria Griffin and Alexis Wong; Walker Valley High School – Rachel Hilton; Whitwell High School – Clara Green

Diesel Equipment Technology: Bradley Central High School – Ethan Frazier and Ethan Hurley; Central High School – Noah Page and Jesse Pedigo; Rhea County High School – Dustin Stephens; South Pittsburg High School – Austin Martin; Walker Valley High School – Cody Hixson, Kenley Hooper, and Parker Woods

Industrial Electricity: Central High School – Tucker Smith

Industrial Maintenance – Mechatronics: Walker Valley High School – Jacob Hagler

Welding Technology: Central High School - Corey Phiniyey; Ivy Academy – Malik Lattimore and Garrison Waites; Sequatchie County High School – William Cunningham; Tyner Academy – Brandon Lewis

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) at Chattanooga State offers 20 one-year diploma programs and six certificate programs. Tennessee residents 24 years of age and older can access the TN Reconnect grant and attend tuition free! Also, recent high school graduates attending TCAT programs are eligible for the TN Promise funds just like the above 33 signees. Call 423-697-4433 for more information or visit www.chattanoogastate.edu/tcat.