From the classroom to the ball field, hands-on learning drives Chattanooga State Community College’s Landscape & Turf Management program. 

This summer, ChattState students in the Landscape & Turf Management program were invited to participate in two projects in Chattanooga, demonstrating their skills while learning in real-world environments and meeting industry professionals. 

In Alton Park, students helped the City of Chattanooga’s stormwater division with detention and retention ponds, which help preserve fresh water while reducing flooding. Students in the program were also invited by Chattanooga Football Club to help transform Erlanger Park into a soccer pitch for a July 4th game against Inter Miami II. 

Hands-on Learning 

For instructor Adam James, these opportunities are an important part of the program's curriculum.  

"You get out here, you put your hands on it, and you talk to other professionals who are in the industry," James said. "It enhances everything that we do.” 

ChattState Students can Earn While They Learn 

In addition to working with real turf and landscaping, qualified second-semester students can also begin co-op placements two days a week. Meanwhile, third-semester students may work three days a week, gaining industry experience before graduation.

Students can earn a paycheck and apply the experience gained in a co-op toward clock hours and college credit. 

From Student to Industry Professional 

Landscape & Turf Management student William Goodwin said working on projects like the Erlanger Park field has helped prepare him for his career goals. 

"I want to own my own landscape construction business," Goodwin said. "This program definitely allowed me to get hands-on work and learn what I will be doing." 

Student Logan Cintron, who entered the program after already working in the industry, said the experience broadened his understanding of the profession. 

"I got to be in the community and see how they do the work," Cintron said. "It gave me a better understanding of what I want to do." 

Cintron also hopes more people recognize the variety of careers available in landscape management. 

"A lot of people think that it's just mowing grass, but it's not," Cintron said. "It's about how you fix certain problems when they pop up. You can also work your way up to management positions." 

A Pathway Beyond Graduation 

James said the program is designed for students who want to enter the workforce quickly while building long-term career opportunities. Graduates earn 23 credits that apply toward an Engineering Systems Technology degree at Chattanooga State, creating a pathway to additional education while preparing students for immediate employment. 

"There are so many opportunities in Tennessee with TN Promise and TN Reconnect," James said. "If you want to get out and go to work, this is the program for you. If you want to keep learning, this is the place to start.”