CarterU poised to graduate first cohort with associate’s degrees
Published 4:29 pm Monday, November 14, 2022
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Contributed Photo Happy Valley and Cloudland students pictured with communications professor Brandon Bragg.
Contributed Photo Hampton and Unaka students pictured with communications professor Brandon Bragg.
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The first students in the Carter County University program are expected to graduate this spring with their associate’s degree, becoming the first set of students in the region to obtain a college degree while still in high school.
Carter County’s Middle College program began in August 2021 with an initial cohort of 37 juniors from all four county high schools. They were given the opportunity to enroll at Northeast State Community College and complete 62 college credits, earning an associate degree with their high school degree. Another branch allows high-schoolers the opportunity to earn full industry welding certification through TCAT-Elizabethton.
Since its beginning, the program has grown to include 134 students.
CarterU is the only large-scale Middle College program east of Nashville. It is the only program completely free to all students, with costs paid through a series of grants. And, participation in the program does not affect a student’s ability to qualify for grants or scholarships as they enter college.
“We have developed excellent relationships with our post-secondary partners in Carter County that make this opportunity possible for our students,” said CTE Safety Director Mark Revis. “The success of Carter County University is evident in the number of students nearing graduation and those enrolling for future cohorts.”
The associates’ program is coordinated by Drew Gray; Mark Norman coordinates the TCAT partnership. Lucas Hitechew coordinates county relations with partnering institutions.
