The Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) experienced a significant enrollment increase of 19% during the academic year 2023-24, with total enrollment reaching 44,723 students. This growth was highlighted in a report presented to the Tennessee Board of Regents at its quarterly meeting on December 10.
Among the various student categories, dual enrollment—where high school students partake in career and technical education programs—saw the most substantial rise, with a 31% increase from the previous year. Enrollment of high school graduates and other adults in traditional TCAT programs grew by 7%, and participation in special industry and supplemental programs jumped by 25%, totaling 10,590 students.
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The TCAT system comprises 24 main campuses across Tennessee, each offering a diverse array of career and technical education programs. In the 2023-24 academic year, TCATs awarded 7,925 diplomas and certificates to graduates over the course of three trimesters. The positive enrollment trend continued into the Fall trimester of 2023, with a 20% increase in registrations compared to Fall 2022.
The Tennessee Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public community colleges and TCATs, also received the annual fundraising report. The 13 community colleges collectively secured $19,219,484 in contributions during fiscal year 2023-24, marking a $1,540,456 increase from the previous year. Leading the fundraising efforts were Nashville State Community College with $4.28 million, Roane State Community College with just over $4.2 million, and Dyersburg State Community College with $2.27 million.
Additionally, the systemwide Foundation for the College System of Tennessee raised $642,754 in funds and in-kind donations during the fiscal year. Since its reconstitution in 2019, the foundation has distributed $980,342 in scholarships to students.
The Board of Regents was updated on ongoing construction projects across the system, which include 29 major projects primarily at the TCATs, totaling $884 million. These projects are supported by a $1 billion investment from Governor Bill Lee and the General Assembly for fiscal year 2023-24. Other projects include 21 previously funded TCAT projects over $500 million, 34 community college projects totaling $274 million, and 11 major maintenance projects at TCATs amounting to $10 million. The TBR Office of Facilities Development is also managing 45 projects at state universities, collectively worth $530 million.
Further actions by the Board included the approval of new career and technical training programs, revisions to the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, and updates on strategic planning and student success initiatives. Detailed information about the board meeting is available on the TBR website through this link.
The College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, is the largest public higher education system in the state, comprising 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology, and the TN eCampus, serving approximately 140,000 students.
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TSSAA Legislative Council Meeting Details
The TSSAA Legislative Council will meet on December 12, 2024, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, to discuss 13 proposed amendments to the TSSAA Bylaws, with eight previously reviewed proposals and five new items on the agenda. The meeting begins at 9:00 AM, and the agenda can be viewed through an online PDF link.