An East Tennessee community college is celebrating a new opportunity for its students.
Walters State Community College and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a partnership.
The agreement will allow students to work with ORNL's scientists to get hands-on experience in research and developing technologies through classroom projects and internships.
School leaders say the agreement will be highly valuable for students.
"The hands-on experience of being able to go into the real work world prior to graduating is just immeasurable in the value this will allow and add to their educational program," said Dr. Wade McCamey, President of Walters State Community College.
Dr. McCamey says about half of the college's students are enrolled in university parallel programs with plans to complete a four-year degree or higher, and this opportunity will give them a head start on their future work.