Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Community Partners

Knox County Students Drive Dual Enrollment Success at Pellissippi State

Dual enrollment is opening doors for Knox County Schools students, providing them with a head start on their college journey while still in high school. 

One of the 865 Academies’ goals is to provide students with the opportunity to take advanced courses while in high school. Through a partnership with Pellissippi State Community College (PSTCC), this goal is making a significant impact—KCS dual enrollment students make up 24% (nearly a quarter!) of PSTCC’s total enrollment.

“There are 13 community colleges in the state of Tennessee, and they all offer dual enrollment,” said Spencer Joy, PSTCC’s Dual Enrollment Manager. “But there is no other community college in the state that has this arrangement, where students can take such a wide variety of courses as they can through PSTCC.”

Students who meet eligibility requirements can choose from approximately 200 different courses, delivered in multiple formats—including at their high school, online, or in person at PSTCC’s Hardin Valley, Magnolia Avenue, or Strawberry Plains campuses. 

The flexibility of online courses has expanded significantly in recent years, making dual enrollment even more accessible.

Shannon Jackson, KCS Executive Director of College & Career, emphasizes the broader benefits of these opportunities. 

“Advanced Academics—which include Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and industry certifications in addition to dual enrollment—are critical in preparing students for success beyond high school,” she said. “We are grateful to Pellissippi State for partnering with Knox County Schools and providing this incredible opportunity for so many students. Dual enrollment, in particular, allows students to experience college coursework in a supportive environment, setting them up for future achievement.”

Beyond earning college credits, dual enrollment provides invaluable learning experiences. 

“This is every one of these students’ first college experience,” Joy said. “What better way for us as a community to help them start college locally and at what I’d argue is close to the gold standard in community colleges in Tennessee?”

By participating in dual enrollment through the 865 Academies, KCS students are getting a jump-start on their futures, gaining college experience, and saving money on tuition—all while still in high school.

Career Empowerment and Preparation

Knox County Schools is dedicated to Career Empowerment and Preparation. At KCS, we are committed to preparing students for graduation and life after graduation. By providing students with early and meaningful opportunities to explore colleges and KCS is reimagining the high school experience through the 865 Academies to prepare students for their future after graduation, whether that means enrolling in postsecondary studies; enlisting in service to their country; or finding employment in a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand profession, with an entrepreneurial mindset. Learn more about this initiative at knoxschools.org/academies.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Community Partners

Pellissippi State Community College: Empowering Students for the Future

Pellissippi State Community College stands as a hub of opportunity for students, offering a diverse array of programs and support for student success. 

One of the cornerstones of Pellissippi State’s offerings is its comprehensive range of programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body. 

Samira Abdalla, an entrepreneurship and business faculty member, highlights the college’s commitment to providing practical, career-oriented education. 

“The program is designed to take a future founder from a back-of-the-napkin idea to the next level,” she said. “It’s really hands-on, and through TnCIS, allows students to travel domestically or internationally to get exposure to other businesses and cultural experiences.”

Emily Ridings, a student in the civil engineering technology program, supports the idea that Pellissippi State offers unique chances for students to experience firsthand learning to prepare them for the field. 

“One of the biggest things I admire about this program is you get a lot of different aspects to try out in the industry,” she said. “There are so many hands-on opportunities that help when you get out in the field, and they really want to help you learn.”

Pellissippi State goes beyond academics by providing robust support services to ensure student success.

Dr. Angel Hughes, who oversees the University Parallel program, emphasizes the college’s dedication to student development. 

“One of the things we want to do is think about the larger student experience at Pellissippi State, and that includes being sure we reach into high schools and help students realize that college is attainable and that we have great pathways and programs for them that will fulfill their interest and help lead them into a great career,” she said. “We have the kind of student supports and services that I would have only dreamed of as a college student. We have support for any kind of barrier that a student may face, and I want them to see that college is a place for all people.”

Leigh Anne Touzeau, the assistant vice president for enrollment services, highlight’s the college’s dedication to finding the right place on campus for students.

“We hope to expose students to all the different programs and career options we have at Pellissippi,” she said. “A lot of students, especially as they enter high school, don’t know exactly what careers are out there, and we try to immerse them to bite-size pieces of information so they can learn about those careers to further motivate them to go past high school.”

Pellissippi State Community College stands out as a premier institution committed to empowering students through its programs, support services, and opportunities. 

With a focus on academic excellence, student development, and experiential learning, Pellissippi State equips students with the tools they need to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. The college continues to shape the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

Kaleigh Walker 865 Academies, Career Empowerment, Student Success

CMA Students Earn Associate Degree Before Diploma

Career Magnet Academy students signed a Credit Wall earlier this week to highlight a great achievement–earning college credit in high school through Pellissippi State Community College.

CMA’s mission is for every student to graduate with a “diploma plus.” Diploma-plus graduates receive not only a high school diploma, but also earn an associate degree or industry certification. 

The class of 2023 will have over a third of its graduates receiving a diploma plus, and CMA counselor Ann Orpurt is proud of their dedication.

“This senior class is special. Since freshmen year, they came in ready to work, thinking ahead about college classes and what it took to get there,” Orpurt said. “They are competitive, smart, and funny. They are also kind and determined. I will miss them terribly.”

Students can begin taking courses through Pellissippi State as early as their sophomore year. Around 150 underclassmen were able to add their names to the Credit Wall during the celebrations on Wednesday and Thursday.

Senior Jenna Hays will graduate with her associate degree in general education and plans to enroll at the University of Tennessee to major in psychology. 

“I actually decided in fifth grade that I wanted to go here. I just thought it was really cool that I could work toward my associate degree as I’m in high school,” Hays said. “Career Magnet Academy has been an amazing school, and I’ve appreciated all four years of it.”CMA will host an Open House on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. for any interested families. Visit knoxschools.org/careermagnet to learn more.