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Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga, TN

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Quick Facts

A National Leader in Technology

Wikipedia
1965
Founded
Public community college
Type
4,689
Total Students
10,121
Undergrad
$5K
Tuition (In-State)
$18K
Tuition (Out-State)
$6K
Avg Net Price
Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: Rebecca Ashford

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Chattanooga State Community College

Chattanooga State: Igniting careers with cutting-edge technical education and dynamic community partnerships.

Chattanooga State Community College is a cornerstone of higher education in Southeast Tennessee, renowned for its strong technical roots and innovative approach to workforce development. Established in 1965 as the state's first technical college and the region's first public institution of higher education, it quickly became a vital resource, initially bridging the gap between engineers and craftsmen with specialized Associate in Science and Engineering degrees. This pioneering spirit continues today, offering a comprehensive array of occupational, technical, and academic programs designed to meet the evolving needs of students and industries.

The college's history is marked by a commitment to expanding access and opportunity. In 1983, it solidified a unique partnership by officially merging with the State Area Vocational-Technical School, broadening its mission to include robust vocational education and one-year certificate programs alongside traditional collegiate studies. This forward-thinking integration provides students with diverse pathways, from industrial electronics and automotive technology to welding, ensuring they gain practical skills highly valued in today's job market.

Chattanooga State excels in fostering dynamic community and industry collaborations, epitomized by its groundbreaking Volkswagen Academy—the only such training partnership globally. The campus is also home to the Hamilton County STEM High School, offering an integrated high school and collegiate experience. Additionally, initiatives like the Middle College High School, Early College program, and support for Hispanic immigrants through Plaza Communitaria, demonstrate a dedication to serving a wide spectrum of learners and empowering them to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1965 as Tennessee's first technical college and Southeast Tennessee's first public higher education institution.
  • Pioneered a unique merger of vocational and career programs in 1983, offering diverse pathways from one-year certificates to associate degrees.
  • Home to the Volkswagen Academy, the only such training partnership in over 60 VW plants worldwide, established in 2009.
  • Features the Hamilton County STEM High School on campus, integrating high school and collegiate studies since 2012.
  • Offers specialized programs for various populations, including Hispanic immigrants (Plaza Communitaria) and displaced workers (AHEAD).
  • Expanded its campus significantly in 2006 with the acquisition of 40 acres and the creation of the Center for Business, Industry, and Health Professions.

Timeline

1965
Founded as Chattanooga State Technical Institute, Tennessee's first technical college.
1973
Renamed Chattanooga State Technical Community College.
1974
Became part of the State Community College and University System (later Tennessee Board of Regents).
1981
The State Area Vocational-Technical School (now TCAT) entered a pilot merger with Chattanooga State.
1983
Tennessee legislature officially recognized the merger, creating a unique partnership between vocational and career programs.
2006
Acquired the Olan Mills building and land, adding 59,000 sq ft and 40 acres to campus, renamed Center for Business, Industry, and Health Professions.
2009
Renamed Chattanooga State Community College; Volkswagen Academy created as a unique training partnership.
2012
The Hamilton County STEM High School opened on the Chattanooga State campus.
🏛️
61 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Chattanooga State Community College

🏫

STEM School

The Hamilton County Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math High School, opened in 2012 on the Chattanooga State campus, offering integrated high school and collegiate studies.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Rebecca Ashford
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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