How the college is bridging the gap between education and the workforce

Let’s look at Alicia’s story.

Alicia graduated high school in 2023 with a passion for business and marketing, fueled by hands-on learning and active participation in DECA and FBLA. Like many of his peers, he enrolled in a local community college, unsure of what he wanted to do. He considered “something in business,” and his parents encouraged him to take advantage of the Tennessee Promise program, which offers two years of free community college. However, with below-college-level ACT scores, Alicia found herself drawn into the traditional method of transferring a friend for a science degree. Instead of pursuing his passions, he spent his days in makeup classes and general education courses. Frustrated and disappointed, he began to think, “Maybe college isn’t for me” and chose to withdraw.

But was college really not for Alicia? Or was he trying to navigate an education system that didn’t match his interests and the needs of today’s workforce? Did he just end up in a program that failed to develop his skills?

Discrepancy Between Educational and Labor Requirements

Every year, thousands of Tennesseans like Alicia begin the college journey, eager to translate their passions into fulfilling careers. Yet too many find themselves lost in a maze of irrelevant subjects and unclear methods, leading to disengagement and dropout.

In Tennessee, 56 percent of jobs require skills training beyond high school but not a four-year degree. Many of these positions require specialized training or credentials, such as professional certificates or associate degrees. Despite the availability of well-paying jobs, many Tennesseans are unable to access them due to a lack of targeted education and career guidance. As of May 2024 alone, Tennessee had 173,000 job openings, with the greatest demand in health care, advanced manufacturing, supply chain management and construction. Yet only 49 percent of Tennesseans have access to the skills training needed to work in these fields.

State programs such as TN Drive to 55, TN Achieves, TN Promise and TN Reconnect have successfully increased access to post-secondary education. However, these well-intentioned programs often fall short of their intended outcomes as students struggle to navigate their education and transition into high-demand careers.

Understanding the Impact of Degree Methods

The majority of first-time community college students in Tennessee (76 percent) enroll in “university-related” degrees such as an associate of science or associate of arts, designed to transfer to four-year universities. These programs include mostly general education courses, with limited opportunities to enter specific fields of interest. However, only 15 percent of these students go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

For those who complete AA or AS but do not go on to further education, the idea is concerning. They are less likely to be employed in Tennessee and tend to earn lower salaries than counterparts who have completed an associate of applied science (AAS) or technical certificate. To put it simply: an AS or AA—heavy on general education but light on practical skills—often does not prepare students for today’s work.

The AAS option, however, tends to produce better results. Returning to Alicia’s case, if she had been advised of the AAS option, her fall schedule would have included courses in business, transportation, marketing and computer systems and only one general education course. This would be a completely different experience for Alicia, aligning with her interests and keeping her engaged. Instead of feeling disappointed, he may have thrived in an environment that nurtured his passions and led to a fulfilling career.

It’s time to rethink how we guide students like Alicia. By embracing innovative programs that align education with real-world opportunities, we can empower the next generation to succeed in Tennessee’s growing industries.

Building Paths to Success

That’s where Belmont Fast Forward comes in.

The Belmont Fast Forward program bridges the gap between education and workforce needs by providing career paths that lead to sustainable, well-paying jobs in Tennessee’s key industries. We focus on three key strategies: educating students about career opportunities, empowering them with the necessary skills and connecting them to career opportunities. These strategies are designed to help three people: high school, early college and older students. By addressing the needs of individuals at different stages of their educational and career journeys, we provide comprehensive support to transform lives and strengthen communities.

For high school students, early exposure to career paths and deliberate planning can make a difference. We partner with Metro Nashville Public Schools to provide career exploration opportunities, guest speakers and tours that help students envision their careers in various industries and the education they need to get there. Recognizing the importance of early connections, we fund summer courses for recent high school graduates, allowing them to begin their professional education before traditional financial aid is available.

College students like Alicia often face challenges in the transition to higher education. To support these students, we have explored clusters at two local community colleges, Volunteer State Community College and Nashville State Community College. These students participate in two-week college teaching boot camps with college readiness workshops and industry speakers. With personalized academic advice and targeted career support, we help them navigate their academic paths with confidence.

Connecting Challenges and Solutions

As powerful champions of helping people and communities thrive, Belmont University believes it is important to partner with academic institutions and workforce development organizations through intentional pilot programs and programs like Fast Forward.

By addressing the ambiguities in educational pathways, Fast Forward directly addresses the challenges faced by students navigating the complex landscape of continuing education. We provide the guidance and resources needed to pursue degrees that not only align with your interests but also meet the needs of the job market. With targeted support and practical knowledge, we pave the way for successful careers.

It is time for educators, policy makers, institutions and community leaders alike to rethink how we guide students like Alicia. By embracing innovative programs that align education with real-world opportunities, we can empower the next generation to succeed in Tennessee’s growing industries.