Bridging the Gap Between Education and Workforce

Let’s look at Alicia’s story.

Alicia graduated from high school in 2023 with a passion for business and marketing, fueled by hands-on courses and active participation in DECA and FBLA. Like many of her peers, she enrolled at a local community college, unsure what she wanted to do. She thought “something in business,” and her parents encouraged her to take advantage of the Tennessee Promise program, which provides two years of free community college. However, with ACT scores below college level, Alicia found herself funneled into a general transfer pathway for an associate of science degree. Instead of pursuing her passions, she spent her days in remedial classes and general education courses. Frustrated and disillusioned, she began to think, “Maybe college just isn’t for me” and chose to withdraw.

But was college truly not for Alicia? Or was she trying to navigate an educational system misaligned with her interests and the demands of today’s workforce? Did she simply end up in a program that failed to nurture her potential?

The Misalignment Between Education and Workforce Needs 

Every year, thousands of Tennesseans like Alicia embark on a college journey, eager to translate their passions into fulfilling careers. Yet too many find themselves lost in a maze of irrelevant courses and unclear pathways, leading to disengagement and dropouts.

In Tennessee, 56 percent of jobs require skills training beyond high school but not necessarily a four-year degree. Many of these positions demand specialized training or credentials, such as technical certificates or associate degrees. Despite the availability of well-paying jobs, too many Tennesseans are unable to access them due to a lack of targeted education and career guidance. In May 2024 alone, Tennessee had 173,000 job openings, with the largest demand in health care, advanced manufacturing, supply chain management and construction. Yet only 49 percent of Tennesseans have access to the skills training required to work in these fields.

State programs like TN Drive to 55, TN Achieves, TN Promise and TN Reconnect have successfully increased access to postsecondary education. However, these well-intentioned initiatives often don’t meet their intended outcomes as students struggle to navigate their education and transition into in-demand careers.

Understanding the Impact of Degree Pathways 

Most first-time community college students in Tennessee (76 percent) enroll in “university parallel” degrees like the associate of science or associate of arts, designed to transfer to four-year universities. These programs consist largely of general education courses, with limited opportunities to delve into specific fields of interest. However, only 15 percent of these students go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

For those who complete an A.A. or A.S. but don’t pursue further education, the outlook is concerning. They are less likely to be employed in Tennessee and tend to earn lower wages than peers who completed an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) or technical certificate. To put it simply: An A.S. or A.A.—heavy on general education but light on practical skills—often doesn’t prepare students for today’s workforce.

An A.A.S. option, however, often yields better results. Returning to Alicia’s story, had she been advised of the A.A.S. option, her fall schedule would have included courses in business, logistics, marketing and computer applications and only one general education course. This would have been an entirely different experience for Alicia, aligning with her interests and keeping her engaged. Instead of feeling disillusioned, she might have thrived in an environment that nurtured her passions and led to a fulfilling career.

It’s time to rethink how we guide students like Alicia. By embracing innovative programs that align education with real-world opportunities, we can empower the next generation to thrive in Tennessee’s growing industries.

Building Pathways to Success 

This is where Belmont Fast Forward steps in.

The Belmont Fast Forward program bridges the gap between education and workforce demands by providing career pathways that lead to sustainable, well-paying jobs in key Tennessee industries. We focus on three core strategies: educating students about career opportunities, empowering them with needed skills and connecting them with employment opportunities. These strategies are tailored to serve three populations: high school, early college and adult learners. By addressing the needs of individuals at various stages of their education and career journeys, we provide comprehensive support to transform lives and strengthen communities.  

For high school students, early exposure to career pathways and intentional programming can make all the difference. We partner with Metro Nashville Public Schools to provide career exploration opportunities, guest speakers and field trips that help students imagine their careers across various industries and the education they need to get there. Recognizing the importance of early engagement, we fund summer courses for recent high school graduates, allowing them to begin their technical education before traditional financial aid becomes available. 

Early-college students like Alicia often face challenges transitioning into higher education. To support these students, we’ve piloted cohorts at two local community colleges, Volunteer State Community College and Nashville State Community College. These students participate in two-week college orientation boot camps featuring college readiness workshops and industry speakers. Through personalized academic advising and intentional career support, we’re helping them navigate their educational paths with confidence. 

Connecting Challenges to Solutions 

As radical champions for helping people and communities flourish, Belmont University believes it’s imperative to collaborate with educational institutions and workforce development organizations through intentional pilot programs and initiatives such as Fast Forward.

By addressing the misalignment in educational pathways, Fast Forward directly tackles the challenges faced by students navigating the complex landscape of continuing education. We provide the guidance and resources needed to pursue degrees that not only align with their interests but also meet the demands of the job market. Through targeted support and practical experience, we’re paving the way for successful careers.

It’s time for educators, policymakers, institutions and community leaders alike to rethink how we guide students like Alicia. By embracing innovative programs that align education with real-world opportunities, we can empower the next generation to thrive in Tennessee’s growing industries.

Bridget Golden is the director of the Belmont Fast Forward Program. She is an advocate for postsecondary education and credentials that can help communities flourish.