CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – State and County leaders highlighted major progress and long-term investments during this year’s State of the County address at UTC’s Wolford Center, focusing on education, economic growth, infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and outdoor recreation.
One of the biggest successes centered on career and technical education. Hamilton County Schools has raised its “Ready Graduate” rate from 39.5% to 58% over the last four years — a nearly 50% improvement in students graduating prepared for college or the workforce. The progress among Black students has been especially significant, with the Ready Graduate rate climbing from 21.6% to 47.3% during that same timeframe.
Mayor Weston Wamp pointed to continued investments in the county’s Future Ready Centers, including $1 million commitments to both the Harrison Bay and North River campuses, along with additional support for career advisors. Leaders said the North River Future Ready Center has seen applications double in the past two years, helping create hundreds of career pathways for local students…