Middle School to Mocs scholars connects Hamilton County Students to future at UTC

Two women smile for a photo at a banquet table during a Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga event surrounded by other attendees.

Kimele Carter and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Chattanooga student Brianna Mitchell (photo courtesy of Joni Martin)

The 2026 edition of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Middle School to Mocs Scholars initiative took place May 15 through May 19, with staff and faculty attending eighth-grade Hamilton County Schools promotion ceremonies to celebrate students and share the University’s message.

The program, a joint initiative between UTC and Hamilton County Schools, is meant to help students picture college as part of their future. As part of that effort, every eighth-grade student received a certificate welcoming them to UTC, pending high school graduation and fulfillment of admission requirements for the fall 2030 semester.

The program, sponsored by the UTC Division of Access and Engagement, began in 2023.

About two dozen University representatives joined Middle School to Mocs Scholars events, connecting with the eighth-graders being promoted to high school. Here are some of their reflections.

Janice Cosey, UTC Bursar

Last night (Monday, May 18), we celebrated the Class of 2026 at Howard Connect Academy Legacy Night. We recognized a truly special group of students, families, teachers, and mentors who have helped shape the final graduating class of Howard Connect Academy.

The Middle School to Mocs Scholars journey has never been defined simply by buildings or programs, but by the relationships, encouragement, and community that made every student feel seen, supported, and capable of success. A legacy is not measured by how long something lasts, but by the impact it leaves on the people who carry it forward.

The Class of 2026 represents that impact in the strongest way—through resilience, connection, leadership, and the lasting bonds formed along the way. As we gathered in the Howard High School Auditorium, we celebrated not an ending, but a legacy that will continue through every student whose life has been changed by Howard Connect Academy.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a presenter for the past four years and it has been an honor to represent the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

A student speaks at a podium on a school auditorium stage during a Howard Connect Academy event while staff and guests sit behind them. Two projection screens display live captioning.

Janice Cosey speaks at Howard Connect Academy.

Deborah Barr, administrative specialist, Department of Mathematics

Thank you for allowing (my son) Michael and me the opportunity to speak to his middle school alumni on Monday, May 18. It was truly a special experience for both of us.

Michael served as Presenter 1, and I was so proud to watch him engage both the students and parents with confidence and maturity. Several of his former teachers shared how impressed they were with the young man he has become. In fact, five teachers asked if they could attend his graduation in December, which meant so much to me.

We shared with the panel that we will be attending next year.

Thank you again to the Division of Access and Engagement for creating opportunities like this that not only inspire students but also strengthen the bond between mother and son. It was a memory we will always cherish.

UTC’s Division of Access and Engagement joined the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Chattanooga’s Stake ‘N Burger event at Erlanger Park.

It was definitely a night to remember as the Club Kids were honored throughout this very special event.