Students at Tompkins Cortland Community College now have a clear shot at an Ivy League education, thanks to a new partnership with Cornell University.
TC3 and Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) signed a transfer agreement that gives qualified graduates of TC3’s Sustainable Farming and Food Systems program priority consideration for admission to Cornell’s Agriculture Sciences bachelor’s degree. The agreement was officially signed by TC3 President Amy Kremenek and CALS Dean Benjamin Houlton.
“There is a strong legacy of collaboration between TC3 and Cornell,” said Kremenek. “This creates a clear, achievable pathway for students to start strong at TC3 and earn a degree from an Ivy League university.”
Students in the program will build a foundation in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and business through hands-on experience at the TC3 Farm. Those who finish with a GPA of 3.0 or higher—and earn at least a B in all transfer courses—will be given priority in Cornell’s admissions process.
At CALS, students will deepen their expertise in areas like crop and soil science, animal science, agricultural economics, and food science, learning from leading faculty in the field.
Dean Houlton called the agreement part of Cornell’s Land-Grant mission and a step toward expanding opportunity for students across the state. “We’re investing in the next generation of agricultural and life sciences leaders,” he said. “This new articulation agreement reflects our shared commitment to building strong academic pathways for students.”
TC3 is part of the SUNY system and has a long history of connecting students with both higher education and career-focused training. The new partnership strengthens its role in preparing students for success in the growing fields of agriculture and life sciences.
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