Kingsport City Schools praised for 453 dual enrollment students at TCAT Elizabethton

The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education meeting held on April 8, 2025, featured a significant recognition of the partnership between Kingsport City Schools and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Elizabethton. Richard Church, representing TCAT, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of dual enrollment programs in providing students with pathways to post-secondary education and industry opportunities.

Church noted that Kingsport City Schools has embraced Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a vital component of student development, equating its importance to traditional academic programs. He reported that as of spring 2025, a total of 453 high school students from Kingsport are dual enrolled with TCAT, a notable achievement that reflects the hard work of the school's leadership and faculty.

During the meeting, Church announced that on May 8, over 30 Kingsport City School students will receive certificates or diplomas from TCAT prior to their high school graduation. This recognition will include honor cords for the students to wear at graduation, symbolizing their accomplishments.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude towards the school leadership, particularly Dr. Shadden and Dr. Bailey, for their efforts in revitalizing educational opportunities in Kingsport. The board members emphasized the importance of continuing this partnership to ensure that every student has a clear pathway for their future endeavors. The meeting underscored the commitment of Kingsport City Schools to fostering educational growth and industry readiness among its students.