Beyond sports: TCC students participate in ‘Signing Day,’ declare intent to pursue technical careers

On Feb. 20, Tarrant County College Northwest and South campuses will join schools nationwide to host National CTE (Career and Technical Education) Letter of Intent Signing Day ceremonies.

Signing Day is patterned after the NCAA’s National Signing Day for athletes who commit to play sports in college. However, instead of athletes, TCC’s event honors students who are entering a career/technical field of study, such as automotive technology, aviation maintenance technology, law enforcement, computer-aided drafting and heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology.

Approximately 140 incoming students will sign Letters of Intent across TCC Northwest and South campuses, signifying their commitment to enter CTE programs in upcoming semesters.

“Career and technical education provides a combination of skills necessary for the 21st-century workforce—technical, academic and employability skills,” said Zarina Blankenbaker, president of TCC Northwest. “These students will comprise the backbone of tomorrow’s workforce, and TCC provides them an affordable, well-regarded pathway into multiple careers. Signing Day is a great way to recognize these students’ commitment and celebrate their contribution to our region’s future economic development.”

Snap-On Tools will participate in TCC Northwest’s event, with a representative speaking to students and families and showing support. TCC South’s Signing Day corporate partners include Snap-On Tools, Power Engineers, Ford Motor Company and AutoNation Ford.

Both the TCC Northwest and TCC South events will be held Thursday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. The TCC Northwest Signing Day ceremony will take place in the campus’ Water’s Edge Café, on the first floor of the WSTU building (4801 Marine Creek Pkwy., Fort Worth). The TCC South Signing Day ceremony is planned for the SETC building’s Fusion Room (5301 Campus Dr., Fort Worth).

The events will be streamed live and can be accessed through the following links:

National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day is sponsored by the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3).