The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) and TBR - The College System of Tennessee announced today the renewal of their partnership for the 2026-27 school year. The collaboration reaffirms both organizations' commitment to expanding post-secondary educational opportunities for student-athletes across the state, connecting them with affordable, high-quality pathways to rewarding careers.

The renewed partnership will keep a shared goal front and center: making sure every athlete and family knows what's possible after graduation. Throughout the year, it will feature TBR branding at all TSSAA and Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association championships, along with messaging delivered through social media, e-blasts, e-newsletters and event streaming.

Across the state, TBR's 13 community colleges and 22 colleges of applied technology (TCATs) offer students real options close to home. With more than 175 teaching locations statewide, a quality education is rarely far away. Two signature programs, Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect, extend tuition-free opportunities to eligible graduating high school seniors and qualifying adults returning to school, covering mandatory tuition and fees at any community college or TCAT for up to two years.

TBR colleges work directly with local businesses and industry partners to develop curricula and programs that reflect the skills employers need most. That collaborative approach ensures training stays current and career-focused, with offerings in fields such as healthcare, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and trucking, as well as emerging industries including nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, ceramic tile and aviation. Many of these programs can be completed in 12 months or less, allowing graduates to enter the workforce quickly with in-demand skills. Students who wish to continue their education can pursue seamless transfer options toward a bachelor's degree.

"This partnership puts the College System in front of 154,500+ student-athletes, their families and their communities," said John Williams, TBR associate vice chancellor for government and public relations. "These are young people making big decisions about their future. We want them to see that affordable, high-quality training leading to a real career is within reach — often just down the road."

"Our member schools care deeply about what comes next for their students, and this partnership reflects that value," said TSSAA Executive Director Mark Reeves. "Working with the Tennessee

Board of Regents, we're helping families across the state discover the opportunities waiting for them after high school."

To learn more about TBR and the programs offered across its campuses statewide, visit www.tbr.edu/gotthis.

About TBR
TBR - The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 22 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.