Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) and Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recently formalized a transfer agreement that offers TC3 students a direct path to an Ivy League degree.
The articulation agreement is part of Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Signature Pathway Program and allows students in TC3’s Sustainable Farming and Food Systems A.A.S. program to transfer into Cornell’s Agricultural Sciences B.S. program.
“This agreement reflects our Land-Grant mission and shared commitment to building strong academic pathways for students,” said Benjamin Z. Houlton, Dean of CALS, during the August 7 signing ceremony held at the TC3 Farm, according to a statement. “By welcoming TC3 transfer students into our community, we’re investing in the next generation of agricultural and life sciences leaders.”
About the program
Currently, TC3 enrolls about 20 students in the Sustainable Farming and Food Systems program. While the exact number of students accepted into Cornell will be determined by CALS, any student who meets the criteria will be eligible for consideration, TC3 Public Information Officer Peter Vorhees said in communications with the Ithaca Journal earlier this month.
Candidates must meet academic benchmarks including a minimum 3.0 GPA and a B grade or better in all transfer courses.
The pathway is designed to be both rigorous and accessible, spanning two semesters and a summer at the TC3 Farm. Students can expect to gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Once at Cornell, they delve deeper into disciplines like crop and soil sciences, animal science, agricultural economics, and food science.
“This creates a clear, achievable pathway for students to start strong at TC3 and earn a degree from an Ivy League university,” said TC3 President Amy Kremenek in a recent Cornell statement. “Cornell is the dream for many of our students, and this agreement makes that dream a reality.”
The program will collaborate with local farmers and integrate with TC3’s hospitality program, offering students a holistic view of the food system.
As the Signature Pathway Program continues to expand, CALS is preparing to welcome these transfer students with resources and support systems. A new website outlines the program’s structure and expectations and faculty will guide students through the transition.
This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Tompkins Cortland Community agriculture students granted pathway to Cornell courses
Reporting by Jacob Mack, Ithaca Journal / Ithaca Journal
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