The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and TBR - The College System of Tennessee are proud to announce their continued partnership for the 2025-26 school year. Together, they aim to support TSSAA member schools and student-athletes while highlighting the critical importance of education beyond high school in preparing for today’s workforce.

Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an adult seeking a career change, Tennessee’s community colleges and colleges of applied technology (TCATs) offer affordable, high-quality education and training programs designed to meet the needs of both students and employers. With more than 175 teaching locations statewide, TBR colleges provide opportunities close to home for Tennesseans to gain the skills needed to succeed in high-demand careers.

Through innovative programs like Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, students of all ages can pursue their dreams tuition-free. Tennessee Promise offers eligible graduating high school seniors a last-dollar scholarship covering all mandatory tuition and fees at any community college or TCAT for up to two years. Tennessee Reconnect extends the same opportunity to qualifying adults returning to school to earn a degree or certificate, empowering them to improve their career prospects and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Tennessee’s community colleges and TCATs are at the forefront of workforce development, offering programs aligned with industry needs in fields such as healthcare, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and the trucking industry. Additionally, TBR is preparing students for emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, ceramic tile and aviation. Many of the programs offered through TBR colleges can be completed in 12 months or less, ensuring graduates are ready to enter the workforce quickly with the skills employers demand. For those seeking to continue their education, TBR colleges also offer seamless transfer options to pursue bachelor’s degrees.

“Partnering with the TSSAA allows us to connect with Tennessee’s 150,000+ student-athletes, their families, and communities to share the life-changing opportunities available through the College System of Tennessee,” said John Williams, TBR associate vice chancellor for government and public relations. “Our goal is to provide affordable, high-quality education and training that leads directly to rewarding careers, and this partnership helps us make that vision a reality.”

The partnership between TSSAA and TBR includes TBR branding at all TSSAA High School and Middle School State Championships, as well as messaging through social media, e-blasts, e-newsletters and event streaming throughout the year.

“The partnership with the Tennessee Board of Regents and the state’s community colleges and TCATs aligns perfectly with the value our member schools place on higher education,” said TSSAA Executive Director Mark Reeves. “Together, we’re helping students and families across Tennessee see the incredible opportunities available to them after high school.”

For more information about TBR and the programs offered at its 175 campuses statewide, visit https://www.tbr.edu.

About TBR
TBR - The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system with 13 community colleges, 23 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving over 170,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

About TSSAA
The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association is a voluntary, nonprofit, self-supported organization conceived by school people (teachers, principals, superintendents) and administered by individuals carefully chosen to lead the program. The Association belongs to the member schools, and it serves them well in a very worthy purpose.