First-of-its-Kind Partnership Creates Pathway to College Credit and Career Opportunities
Compass Community Schools' Midtown campus and Southwest Tennessee Community College have partnered to launch an innovative Spanish translation certificate program for the 2026-27 school year. The partnership is the first of its kind in Tennessee, designed specifically for high school students.
The dual enrollment program will allow Compass Midtown scholars to earn college credit while working toward a Spanish Translation Technical Certificate from Southwest Community College. There's a growing need for qualified translators and interpreters across multiple industries, and upon completion, students will gain the skills, credentials, and professional training needed to pursue careers as translators and interpreters in healthcare, legal, educational, and business settings. The certificate provides students with a strong foundation for entering the workforce immediately after graduation.
Turning Bilingual Skills Into Career Credentials
"Many of our high schoolers already possess valuable bilingual skills, as approximately 71% of our students are Spanish speakers," said Jennifer Cartwright-Alejo, director of college counseling at Compass Midtown. "This program will create opportunities for our students in high-demand industries, such as the medical field, where bilingual professionals play a critical role in serving diverse communities." This inaugural cohort will include juniors, who will complete a two-year program, and seniors, who will complete an accelerated one-year pathway to earn the certificate. "Our goal is to help our students graduate with a clear pathway to career success."
The program is designed for heritage Spanish speakers who will complete coursework in Spanish grammar, translation theory, and certification preparation, along with internship opportunities that provide real-world experience. Through Compass Community Schools and community partnerships, students will have access to internship experiences that allow them to apply their skills in educational and professional settings.
A Bridge Between Cultures and Communities
"As a first-generation Latino college graduate, I know firsthand how education can transform lives and open doors to new opportunities," said Jose da Silva, vice president of strategic enrollment and student success at Southwest Tennessee Community College. "Being bilingual is a gift, and becoming a certified translator turns that gift into opportunity. A Spanish interpretation and translation certificate empowers bilingual students to turn their language skills into a meaningful career while serving as a bridge between cultures and communities. Your language is more than a skill. It is a strength, a profession, and a pathway to making a lasting impact."
Students are selected for the program based on academic performance, attendance, and college readiness, ensuring participants are prepared for the rigor of college-level coursework. More than 15 students are set to participate this fall semester.
