DRYDEN, NY (607NewsNow) — Tompkins Cortland Community College is partnering with Cornell University.

An agreement was signed Thursday that creates a direct transfer path to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. TC3 President Amy Kremenek tells 607 News Now the deal wastes no time.

“The agreement between Cornell and TC3 is effective immediately,” Kremenek said. “There is an opportunity for students to start at TC3, finish their associate’s degree in Sustainable Farming and Food Systems, then move on to a seamless transfer pathway to Cornell University to achieve a bachelor’s degree.”

Benjamin Houtlton, dean of Cornell CALS, called the agreement a ‘pipeline of talent.’

“We are proud to partner with SUNY and TC3 to expand access and opportunity for New York state students,” Houlton said. “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. 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.”

Kremenek is hopeful the agreement will be a continued boon for enrollment, which has been steadily rising over the past few years.

Photos by Marcel Richardson-Villenas, Cayuga Media Group.