Cleveland State Community College welcomes Larissa Coleman back to the college as the coordinator for the Advanced Technologies Institute (ATI), an earn-to-learn program that combines classroom instruction with paid, hands-on industry experience.
ATI provides students with the opportunity to work in a multi-skilled industry position three or more days a week while taking college classes toward a degree for two days a week.
Coleman previously worked at Cleveland State as the GIVE Grant Coordinator from 2020 to 2021, when ATI was funded through the grant.
“I always felt that this was a great program,” Coleman said. “It feels like a full-circle moment for me to have the opportunity to come back and work to expand the program.”
The institute began at Cleveland State in 2018 as the Mechatronics Institute for students pursuing a degree in mechatronics. Now, the program has expanded to include all eight degree options within the Advanced Technologies program: drafting and design, electrical engineering technology, electromechanical technology, HVAC, mechatronics, precision manufacturing, surveying and welding.
Through partnerships with local industries, ATI students gain valuable experience working in the fields they are studying while earning a paycheck. Industry partners benefit by gaining access to motivated, developing employees who are already interested in pursuing careers in their field.
“The program allows industry to vet future workers,” Coleman said. “They get to take them and mold them as employees and make sure that they are going to fit into the culture of the company.”
For students, the program provides an opportunity to put classroom knowledge into practice while developing valuable technical and professional skills.
“The students are learning in the classroom and applying those skills for a paid position in industry,” Coleman said. “The industry partner assigns each student a mentor who can guide and support them. Many times, industries will continue the internship and provide scholarships for students who want to continue to a four-year degree.”
With the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect scholarships available to qualified students, participants may be able to attend Cleveland State tuition-free two days a week while working in their chosen field three or more days a week.
Coleman brings a diverse professional background to her role, with experience working in the private insurance industry, non-profit sector, K-12 education and the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of McMinn County High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in English Literature at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.
“Larissa Coleman brings a genuine passion for helping students discover their potential and prepare for rewarding careers,” Dr. Sandra Godsey, Dean of Career and Industry Programs, said. “In her new role as ATI Coordinator, she will play an important part in connecting students with hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and opportunities that prepare them for the workforce. We are fortunate to have her leading this important work.”
Students enrolled in any of Cleveland State’s Advanced Technologies programs are eligible to apply for ATI. Applicants must submit an application, resume and letter of recommendation.
The program is accepting applications from current Cleveland State students. The application deadline for incoming freshmen is March 1.
For more information about ATI, contact Coleman at larissa.coleman@cscctn.edu or (423) 473-2389.