Tyler Junior College has been chosen by the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) as part of an initiative to ease the way for students to enter successful careers.
Led by TACC’s Texas Success Center, the Talent Strong Texas Pathways effort will scale statewide accessible, comprehensive talent pathways that clearly direct students through intentionally designed programs beginning with short-term credentials and early workplace learning. These pathways then lead to meaningful employment, further workforce/transfer education opportunities, and career advancement.
“We were impressed by TJC’s depth and quality of institutional efforts to date,” said Dr. Cynthia Ferrell, Texas Success Center executive director and TACC vice president. “We are excited to be working with TJC as it continues to advance pathways practices and engage with colleagues from Texas community colleges dedicated to transforming the student experience.”
The Talent Strong Texas Pathways approach provides support for community colleges’ efforts in implementing and scaling essential pathway practices by:
• supporting students reaching their end goal of good careers by scaling clear talent pathways in key programs at every community college;
• actively engaging education and workforce partnerships building labor market-responsive short-term credentials aligned within longer-term workforce and transfer program talent pathways to high-demand, high-wage, and valued careers; and
• expanding comprehensive student supports, including basic need supports and a caring college culture that both nurtures students’ sense of belonging and aids all students’ academic achievement
The Texas Pathways strategy is dedicated to advancing social and economic mobility and a systemic approach to institutional transformation. It provides scale career-focused pathways of value while creating a campus culture that nurtures student wellness and sense of belonging.
Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TJC president and CEO, said, “On behalf of TJC, it is truly an honor to work with Dr. Ferrell and her strong leadership team to provide our communities with a talent pipeline, enabling our ability to recruit and retain world-class companies toward a stronger East Texas.”