New Cornell-TC3 Agreement Supports Ag Education

By Blake Jackson

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Cornell CALS) has established a new articulation agreement with Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3), paving the way for students to seamlessly transfer into Cornell’s agricultural sciences bachelor’s program.

This initiative is part of the CALS Signature Pathway Program, which aims to broaden access to Cornell’s Ivy League education for students across New York state.

The agreement specifically supports graduates of TC3’s Sustainable Farming and Food Systems associate degree program, offering them a direct route to continue their education at Cornell, provided they meet the academic criteria.

Students earning an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a grade of B or higher in all eligible transfer courses will receive priority consideration for admission to Cornell CALS.

Once admitted, these students can explore fields such as crop and soil sciences, animal sciences, food science, and agricultural economics. At Cornell, they’ll benefit from instruction by globally recognized faculty and participate in experiential learning and research.

“We are proud to partner with SUNY and TC3 to expand access and opportunity for New York state students. This new articulation agreement reflects our Land-Grant mission and shared commitment to building strong academic pathways for students, in service of all New Yorkers," said Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

"By welcoming TC3 transfer students into our community, we’re investing in the next generation of agricultural and life sciences leaders offering them access to world-class research, hands-on learning, and real-world impact that can spark innovation and improve lives here at home and around the world.”

TC3 students start their academic journey with practical experience at the TC3 Farm, studying sustainable agriculture, food systems, and agribusiness. The agreement formalizes a long-standing partnership between the institutions and reinforces TC3’s commitment to preparing students for careers in the evolving agricultural sector.

“There is a strong legacy of collaboration between TC3 and Cornell,” said TC3 President Amy Kremenek. “We know that Cornell is the dream for many of our students, and this agreement formalizes what we have always known to be true: that dream can be reality."

Photo Credit: cornell-university