Vol State, Austin Peay and UT Martin Help Put Robertson County Residents to Work 

University of Tennessee Martin

Imagine a community where aspiring entrepreneurs learn the skills they need to launch businesses, aspiring teachers gain real-world experience while earning their degrees, and future agricultural leaders seamlessly transition from classroom to career. This is the reality in Robertson County, where new workforce programs combine traditional learning and upskilling at home. 

Education for Entrepreneurs 

Volunteer State Community College is key in this effort, partnering with Small Town Startup to offer an entrepreneurship cohort where aspiring business owners can earn a technical certificate while engaged in a coworking space. This program encourages innovation and gives students the tools to launch and grow successful businesses. 

Working from Small Town Startup, a coworking space and entrepreneurial hub in Springfield, students connect with local business owners and innovators in a real-world environment. A standout feature of the program is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Students participate in work-based learning internships, collaborating with business owners on actual projects that tackle marketing, supply chain management, and research and development challenges. 

By also offering classes like Introduction to Business, Principles of Marketing and Entrepreneurship, the program covers the foundational skills needed to create and sustain a business. 

“This collaboration demonstrates the incredible impact on communities that partnerships between local area businesses and community colleges can have on workforce readiness and development,” says Kevin Blankenship, dean of Business and Technology. 

Austin Peay State University

First-of-Its-Kind Teaching Apprenticeship 

Recognizing the critical need for qualified educators, Austin Peay State University has pioneered the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency, the nation’s first federally registered teaching apprenticeship program. This initiative fosters a solid pipeline of dedicated educators committed to serving the community. 

“Grow Your Own Teacher Residency is more than a solution to the teacher shortage; it is a way to change the lives of apprentices and their families in addition to the hundreds and thousands of future students they will impact,” says Michele Galluzzi, Robertson County Schools human resources supervisor. 

Open to recent high school graduates, current school employees and community members – even those without a bachelor’s degree – this accelerated pathway provides an opportunity to enter a rewarding career in education. 

Participants work as paid teacher residents in local schools while earning their degrees – getting hands-on experience in the classroom and receiving a salary, all while having their tuition and books covered. Throughout the three-year program, residents are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance and support every step of the way. 

Austin Peay State University

A Head Start in Agribusiness 

In the agricultural sector, the University of Tennessee Martin and Vol State have teamed up to support students pursuing careers in agribusiness. 

“Robertson County’s rich agricultural heritage is not just a cornerstone of our community’s past but a vital part of its future,” says Dr. Wendi W. Tostenson, Vol State president. “Vol State is proud to be part of the partnership with the University of Tennessee Martin, offering students the opportunity to start their agricultural journey in high school by earning technical certificates or associate degrees with Vol State and continuing seamlessly toward bachelor’s and master’s degrees with UT Martin – all while staying rooted in Robertson County.” 

Providing a pathway for students to pursue higher education in agriculture, the partnership ensures a skilled workforce for the local community. The program features dual admission, simplifying the transfer process and providing access to both institutions’ resources and support. UTM also utilizes the UT Highland Rim AgResearch and Education Center for laboratories and hands-on learning opportunities. 

“With courses taught at our Springfield location, this pathway is central to Robertson County and easily accessible, allowing students to start and finish their educational journey in the same place: Vol State Springfield,” Tostenson says. 

“This collaboration not only empowers students to cultivate success but also strengthens our workforce and drives the growth of Robertson County’s economy.” 

Affordability is a plus since starting at the community college level can significantly reduce the cost of higher education, making this pathway more accessible to more students.