Overview

The Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction is a diploma distinction that allows students to pursue a career in a high-need, high-skill industry while in high school, as outlined in T.C.A. § 49-6-420. The Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction was developed for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in a high-need, high-skill industry after graduation. Students who earn the Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction will complete at least nine dual enrollment or work-based learning (WBL) credits aligned with their career goals. They will receive monthly career coaching and counseling to better prepare them for the transition into the workforce. Additionally, they will have the option to substitute a WBL or dual enrollment credit, as approved by the State Board of Education in Graduation Substitutions Policy 3.103 for one math credit and one science credit.

Student and Parent Requirements

Grade 10
Students interested in pursuing an Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction must provide the counselor or school principal with documentation signed by the student’s parent or legal guardian indicating that the parent or legal guardian is aware of the requirements for the student to obtain the diploma distinction and consenting to the student’s participation.Students must also register with a regional American Job Center (AJC) or other career counselingor community partner, known as a career coach, and enroll in at least one WBL or dual enrollment course for the student’s junior year.

Grade 11
The student must be enrolled in at least one WBL or dual enrollment course and enroll in WBL or dual enrollment courses for the student’s senior year. The student must also meet no less than once per month during the school year with a career coach.

Grade 12
The student must successfully complete all coursework required for graduation for their diploma type. Students may earn at least one science credit and at least one math credit through course substitutions approved by theTennessee State Board of Education, including,but not limited to, dual enrollment and WBL courses aligned to a student’s chosen career path. These substitutions may only fulfill the student’s third credit of science or fourth credit of math. A list of WBL and dual enrollment courses that qualify as science and math substitutions will be published upon State Board of Education approval. By the end of the student’s senior year, the student must earn at least nine credits of dual enrollment or WBL, meet no less than once per month during the school year with a career coach, and fulfill all other graduation requirements to earn the Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction.

Industry 4.0 FAQ