East Tennessee State University and Chattanooga State Community College partner for apprenticeship pathway and articulation agreement

East Tennessee State University and Chattanooga State Community College have partnered together by signing an articulation agreement that will allow BlueHorizon students from Chattanooga State Community College to seamlessly transfer to East Tennessee State University to continue working toward a degree. BlueHorizon is an apprenticeship program created by Chattanooga State Community College in partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee that helps students work toward a healthcare degree while working in paid customer service roles at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

The webpage for BlueHorizon on Chattanooga State Community College’s website states that it is “a paid apprenticeship program for students who want to fast-track a career in the healthcare industry. It’s your opportunity to earn an associate degree in Health Sciences at ChattState while working at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST), one of the region’s top employers.”

Among the benefits of participating in the BlueHorizon program are an associate degree in Health Sciences, a paid role and apprenticeship at BCBST, mentorship and career coaching, and experience working with a respected healthcare company.

According to an article on East Tennessee State University’s website, Dr. Bill Flora, who serves as the university’s associate provost for Curriculum, was quoted as saying of the partnership, "At ETSU, we believe higher education should meet students where they are and help them reach what's next. This partnership creates a seamless pathway for BlueHorizon students to build on their success, earn a bachelor's degree and prepare for continued career growth."

The new transfer agreement that has been signed between East Tennessee State University and Chattanooga State Community College will further expand the benefits for students who choose to participate in the BlueHorizon program by helping them earn a bachelor degree in Professional Development at the university. 

Dr. Rebecca Ashford, the president of Chattanooga State Community College, said, "We are proud to continue expanding access to real careers, hands-on training, and affordable pathways to success. Through innovative partnerships like BlueHorizon and this agreement with ETSU, ChattState students have more opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their goals."

The second cohort of BlueHorizon will soon be recruiting individuals to participate. There are upcoming information sessions on July 16 and July 30 at 6pm, and applications open in August and close in October. Classes will begin in January 2027.

Bradley Leon, the executive director of the BlueHorizon program at BCBST, said, “The BlueHorizon program was established to provide a direct pathway for students looking to accelerate their careers. We’re grateful to our partners at Chattanooga State and ETSU for giving these students a way to continue their education beyond an associate degree.”

For more information about East Tennessee State University, visit the school’s website.

For more information about Chattanooga State Community College, visit the school’s website.