The new partnership will create opportunities for students interested in agriculture or education to earn college credits while still in high school.
The University of Tennessee Martin and Gibson County Special School District have formed a partnership that will increase the accessibility of a college education. The new partnership, announced during a November 11, 2025 event, will provide the ability for students interested in agriculture or education the ability to take part in special dual credit opportunities. Additionally, the partnership is intended to create interest for K-8 students in the realm of STEM education.
According to an article on the University of Tennessee Martin’s website, Yancy Freeman, the chancellor of UT Martin, was quoted as saying of the new agreement, “This provides accessibility for students at this school to be able to take advantage of a premium education through the TCAT and also, hopefully, continued education with UTM. So, this partnership advances two real main goals for us, overall. It is not just good enough for us to enroll them (students). We have to help them graduate, and then we want them to return to their community so that they can continue to provide value to their community overall. Above all, this agreement supports our shared mission to serve West Tennessee by preparing the next generation of leaders, educators and innovators.”
Students in the Gibson County Special School District will be able to earn college credits and high school credits simultaneously through the new partnership. Students interested in agriculture programs can dual-enroll in Tennessee College of Applied Science Jackson, working toward a bachelor degree, and more dual-enrollment opportunities exist with UT Martin, as well.
With UT Martin, students can participate in a grow-your-own dual enrollment program focused on creating a pipeline of future teachers within the Gibson County Special School District. Students who participate in this program will be able to earn up to 30 credits for UT Martin while also getting paid to work inside classrooms, serving as a hands-on, work-based credit opportunity for students who wish to become teachers. The idea of the program is that once students earn their degree from UT Martin, they will come back to serve as teachers within the school district, filling the need for educators within the Gibson County Special School District.
Eddie Pruett, director of schools, said, “Something may happen in their life, and they need to just take that TCAT certificate and have a job. But then they may want to get back onto that ramp and go on and continue their four-year degree. What we’re able to do is identify high-potential students that have a love for learning and a love for kids and keep them in our local communities and keep them here working with our students.”
For more information about UT Martin, visit the school’s website.