Initiative will connect students to high-demand careers while helping regional employers build stronger talent pipelines
GALLATIN, Tenn. – Nov. 2, 2026 – Volunteer State Community College (Vol State) and the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce have been selected as one of only eight community college-chamber partnerships nationwide to participate in the Sustainable College-Employer Partnerships Initiative, led by Achieving the Dream in partnership with the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation and supported by JPMorganChase.
The initiative supports partnerships that align education with workforce needs through expanded work-basedlearning, stronger employer engagement, and clearer pathways to high-demand careers. Over the next two and a half years, Vol State and the Gallatin Chamber will work with regional employers to create a scalable workforce model that helps students transition successfully into employment while addressing local talent needs.
What sets the partnership apart is the strong foundation already in place across education, business, and economic development. Through ongoing collaboration with Sumner County Schools, local employers, and community partners, Vol State and the Chamber have created a coordinated talent development ecosystem that supports learners from K-12 through college and into the workforce.
"This recognition reflects the strength of a community that believes in investing in people,” said Wendi Tostenson, president of Volunteer State Community College. “Together with the Gallatin Area Chamber and our regional partners, we're building stronger pathways from education to employment, creating opportunity for students, supporting local employers, and developing the talent that will shape the future of our communities for years to come.”
The Gallatin Area Chamber, recently recognized as a Tennessee Chamber of the Year, brings a unique perspective as a trusted convener of employers and advocate for workforce development. Under the leadership of President and CEO Kim Baker, a Vol State alumna and Foundation Board member, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to building sustainable talent pipelines that serve both students and businesses.
Through the initiative, the partners will launch an Embedded Workforce Cohort Model that aligns academic programs, employer expectations, and work-based learning experiences. The pilot will begin with 10 to 15 students and five to seven employer partners, creating a scalable model that strengthens transitions from college to career.
By 2028, the partnership expects to engage up to 150 students in credit-bearing work-based learning experiences, involve up to 40 employers, increase internship-to-employment conversions, and improve student completion, employability, and career outcomes.
"The Chamber sits in a unique space between business, education, and community, and that’s where some of the best work happens,” said Kim Baker, president and CEO of the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce. “We want students to see that opportunity doesn’t always mean looking somewhere else. There are incredible businesses, careers, and possibilities right here in our community. This partnership allows us to listen to what employers need, connect them directly to emerging talent, and help build pathways that open doors for students and strengthen our businesses at the same time."
"No single organization can solve workforce challenges alone," said Lenore Rodicio, Ph.D., president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. "When community colleges, chambers of commerce, and employers work together, they can build stronger pathways from education to employment that benefit learners, businesses, and communities alike. Through our partnership with the ACCE Foundation, we look forward to supporting these relationships as they develop sustainable models that can serve as examples for colleges across the country."
As part of the initiative, Vol State and the Chamber will receive coaching, technical assistance, and peer learning support from Achieving the Dream and the ACCE Foundation. The work aligns closely with Achieving the Dream's mission of helping community colleges build stronger pathways to student success while serving as catalysts for economically vibrant communities. By strengthening employer partnerships and expanding career-connected learning, Vol State and the Gallatin Chamber are creating a workforce model designed to improve student outcomes, meet regional talent needs, and support long-term economic growth.
About Volunteer State Community College (Vol State)
Founded in 1971, Vol State is a public, comprehensive community college offering associate degrees, certificates, continuing education, and enrichment programs to a student population that spans eleven counties in Middle Tennessee. With campuses in Gallatin, Livingston, Springfield, and Cookeville, Vol State is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers individuals to achieve their academic and career goals. Visit online at volstate.edu, and get social with us at volstate, @VolStateTN, volstatecampus, and @volstatecampus.
About Gallatin Chamber of Commerce
The Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce serves as a leading voice and resource for businesses in Gallatin, Tennessee, strengthening the local economy and community through four key areas: workforce and education, leadership and civic engagement, community development, and marketing and attraction. Serving approximately 750 members, the Chamber connects businesses, educators, community leaders, and partners to create opportunities, develop leaders, support a strong workforce, enhance quality of place, and champion Gallatin as a great place to live, work, learn, invest, and do business. The Chamber also operates The Station, its downtown headquarters, welcome center, and collaborative community space. Visit the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce at 117 West Main Street, online at gallatintn.org, and follow along on social media @GallatinChamber.
About Achieving the Dream
Achieving the Dream (ATD) is a partner and champion of more than 300 community colleges across the country. Drawing on expert coaches, groundbreaking programs, and national peer network, the organization provides institutions with integrated, tailored support for every aspect of their work — from foundational capacities such as leadership, data, and equity to intentional strategies for supporting students holistically, building K–12 partnerships, and more. ATD calls this Whole College Transformation. Its vision is for every college to be a catalyst for economically vibrant communities. ATD knows that with the right partner and the right approach, colleges can drive access, completion rates, and employment outcomes — so that all students can access life-changing learning that propels them into community-changing careers. Follow ATD on X (Twitter), Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more, visit the Achieving the Dream (ATD) website: www.achievingthedream.org.
About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation
The ACCE Foundation supports the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) by providing chamber leaders with tools, research, and knowledge needed to shape the future of their communities. It also describes the foundation as providing research, thought leadership, and peer learning opportunities to support chamber leaders addressing community challenges.
