Latest news with #TennesseePromise
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Tennessee launches student first college access program, marking a shift from Trump-era approach
Tennessee launches student first college programme In a significant shift from the higher education policies of the Trump era, Tennessee is launching a new pilot program this fall that offers high school students automatic college admissions, paired with personalised financial aid information. The initiative, led by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), reflects a growing national push to remove barriers to college entry, especially for low- and middle-income students. The Tennessee Direct Admissions pilot is being closely watched across the country, not just for its bold design but for what it represents: a deliberate turn away from the Trump-era philosophy of reduced federal involvement in college access and affordability. A new model for college access Starting in November 2025, approximately 41,000 students from more than 230 randomly selected Tennessee high schools will receive letters informing them of which state colleges have accepted them based solely on academic performance. No traditional applications, essays, or fees required. For about half of those students, the admissions letters will also include customised financial aid information, showing how much they might receive from state grants, institutional scholarships, and federal aid programs. This includes guidance on eligibility for Tennessee Promise, a state-funded initiative that covers any remaining tuition and fees at community or technical colleges after other aid is applied. Breaking from the Trump-era playbook This pilot marks a stark contrast to the education priorities of the Trump administration, which largely emphasised deregulation, limited federal intervention, and cutbacks to college affordability initiatives. The Trump-era Department of Education rolled back Obama-era protections on student loans, scaled down accountability measures for for-profit institutions, and opposed large-scale federal funding increases for college access. In contrast, the Biden administration, and now state partners like Tennessee, have pushed for a more student-centered, federally engaged approach, seeking to simplify the admissions process, increase Pell Grant access, and boost FAFSA completion rates. The Tennessee program aligns with these goals by targeting the exact pain points that derail college enrollment: application complexity, cost uncertainty, and lack of guidance. Research-backed and nationally significant The pilot will serve as a research study, supported by scholars including Trisha Ross Anderson of Harvard University, to evaluate how the pairing of direct admission and financial aid affects college-going behaviour. Students will be split into groups: some receiving only admissions offers, some getting both offers and aid estimates, and others receiving no outreach. The findings could influence future national policies, especially if the data shows increased enrollment among those receiving both types of information. More broadly, the pilot reinforces the Biden administration's interest in evidence-based policy solutions and reflects a reinvigoration of federal-state collaboration, a dynamic largely stalled during the Trump years. 53 colleges, full state support The scale of the pilot is notable. All 13 of Tennessee's community colleges, all 23 technical colleges, and 17 public and private universities have signed on to participate — signalling robust institutional support across the state. To join the program, students must complete an application for Tennessee Promise by November 1, ensuring they are also looped into the state's broader financial aid ecosystem. A national trend with bipartisan momentum? While Tennessee's move is rooted in a progressive, pro-access model, direct admissions programs are gaining traction even in politically diverse states. Illinois and New York have recently launched similar efforts. New York, for instance, is guaranteeing college spots for high schoolers in the top 10% of their class beginning in 2025. Though the approaches differ, the underlying goal is shared: make college feel possible, academically and financially, for more students. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Axios
6 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Tennessee launches automatic college admission in 230 high schools
Tennessee is launching a first-of-its-kind college program this year that will send thousands of high school seniors automatic college admission letters along with personalized financial aid estimates. Why it matters: The "direct admissions" effort is meant to slash through the "forest of red tape" students face when navigating college searches, officials said. Participating students won't even have to apply to understand their options at dozens of participating in-state colleges. "No applications, no essays, no fees," said researcher Taylor Odle, who is evaluating the experimental program to see how it improves college enrollment. How it works: The program is in a pilot phase, and will only apply to students in about 230 randomly selected Tennessee high schools for now. Students at those schools only need to sign up for the Tennessee Promise program by Nov. 1 to participate. They'll get a letter later that month laying out their college options. During the pilot phase, about half of the direct admission letters will include personalized financial aid estimates, including merit-based scholarships students are likely to receive, as well as eligibility for Tennessee Promise, which offers students tuition-free community and technical college. Yes, but: They'll still have to file the FAFSA to secure need-based federal aid. Between the lines: During the pilot, researchers will track outcomes to see if including financial aid packages boosts enrollment numbers. They'll use their findings to shape recommendations for long-term services in Tennessee and nationwide. By the numbers: State leaders expect to send direct admission letters to 41,000 high school seniors this fall, telling them which colleges are saving a spot for them. Fifty-three in-state colleges and universities are participating. That total includes private and public universities as well as technical and community colleges. Colleges will use ACT and GPA thresholds to determine which students qualify. The big picture: Tennessee has led the effort to improve college access for years. Programs like the Tennessee Promise have inspired policies nationwide. The latest pilot program makes Tennessee the first in the nation to combine direct admissions with up-front financial aid estimates. The bottom line: Complicated applications and financial aid boondoggles can drive students away from considering college. Leaders hope that making the process more user-friendly will open up new opportunities, especially for low-income or rural students who are less likely to attend college. "This effort is really about removing barriers and shifting the conversation to make it easier for young people," said Tennessee Higher Education Commission director Steven Gentile. Participating Davidson County schools Antioch High School Cane Ridge High School Glencliff High School Hillsboro High School Hillwood High School Hume-Fogg High School Independence Academy High School John Overton High School KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School Knowledge Academies High School LEAD Academy LEAD Southeast Maplewood High School Martin Luther King Jr. School McGavock High School MNPS Virtual School Nashville Big Picture High School Nashville School of the Arts Pearl-Cohn High School Republic High School The Academy at Hickory Hollow The Academy at Old Cockrill Valor College Prep Whites Creek High School Participating Rutherford County schools Blackman High School Central Magnet School Eagleville School Holloway High School Lavergne High School Oakland High School Siegal High School Stewarts Creek High School Participating Sumner County schools Beech Senior High School Gallatin Senior High School Hendersonville High School Merrol Hyde Magnet School Portland High School Station Camp High School Sumner County Middle College High School Westmoreland High School White House High School Participating Williamson County schools Brentwood High School Centennial High School Franklin High School Fred J Page High School Independence High School Nolensville High School Ravenwood High School Summit High School Participating Wilson County schools
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee leads nation in FAFSA application rate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee is topping the charts, not in music, but in the number of completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. According to the nonprofit, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), the Volunteer State leads the nation in FAFSA completion. The state reported 75.7% of Tennessee Promise students completed the FAFSA, a record-breaking rate for Tennessee. 'I think a lot of educators try to teach and prepare students for the future, and college, attending college to further that education is one of their pathways beyond high school,' Jason Seay with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission said. FAFSA is federal financial aid to help students pay for college. Tennessee typically ranks in the top two or three in the country for its FAFSA completion rate. This year, the TN Higher Education Commission credits the state's 'all hands on deck' approach to its highest application completion rate yet. 'That tremendous network of college access organizations statewide that help students at the high school level, in addition to school counselors, educators, financial aid administrators,' Seay said. 'All that centered around that FAFSA Frenzy Campaign is something we rely on each and every year to become the leader in the nation of FAFSA completion.' In addition to the state's high FAFSA application completion rate, the Class of 2025 also saw a record-breaking number of students apply for the 'last dollar scholarship,' which covers tuition and other fees for community or technical college that the FAFSA doesn't. ⏩ The priority deadline for the FAFSA for the Tennessee Promise scholarship has passed, but other students participating in different programs still have time to apply for federal financial aid. To complete the FAFSA, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former governor Bill Haslam appointed to University of Tennessee Board of Trustees
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has tapped Bill Haslam, the former governor of Tennessee and Knoxville mayor, to serve on the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees. The board serves as the governing body of the University of Tennessee system, overseeing operations across the system's five campuses. University of Tennessee loses $37M in grant funding amid federal funding cuts Sexton's announcement came on the day that a new state law took effect increasing the board membership from 12 to 14. The governor previously appointed 10 of the 12 board members. The new law requires the speaker of each chamber of the general assembly to appoint two board members each. Haslam was elected Mayor of Knoxville in 2003, winning re-election in 2007 and serving until 2011. He went on to succeed Phil Bredesen as the 49th Governor of Tennessee. The former governors now host the 'You Might Be Right' podcast together from Howard Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Lawmakers earmark $165M for new University of Tennessee chemistry building Haslam began his career working at Pilot Corporation, founded by his father Jim Haslam, and served as the company's president from 1995 to 1999. He is set to become the majority owner of the NHL's Nashville Predators and is spearheading an investment group aimed at bringing a WNBA franchise to the city. Forbes has estimated his current net worth at $5.1 billion. The Haslam family has been a major donor to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The business school was renamed the Haslam College of Business in 2014 and the music college became the the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music last year. ▶ See more top stories on 'Governor Bill Haslam's appointment to the University of Tennessee Board is a significant win for higher education in our state. Few leaders understand the importance of education and workforce development the way he does. From launching Tennessee Promise and Drive to 55 during his time as governor to working closely with both K–12 and higher education systems, Governor Haslam has always been committed to opening doors of opportunity for Tennesseans. His appointment comes at a time of strong growth and innovation across the UT System. His deep understanding of state government, his passion for education, and his results-driven approach will complement the outstanding work President Boyd and the board have already accomplished. Together, I believe they will continue to elevate the UT System as a national leader in higher education.' Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton statement on Haslam's appointment Randy Boyd, who has served at the UT System President since 2018, served as a Special Advisor on Higher Education to then-Governor Haslam in 2013 before being appointed commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development in 2015. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
01-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Slipping lottery funds sidelined Tennessee governor's scholarship plan
Gov. Bill Lee's pitch to add scholarship funding to help technical college students pay for equipment and books is on hold for at least a year because of a dip in lottery revenue. Why it matters: Most Tennesseans can go to technical colleges tuition-free. But existing scholarships don't always cover the full price of attendance, which includes costly supplies and other fees that can add up fast. Those extra expenses stop many from enrolling. State of play: Lee's $12.1 million plan, part of his initial budget proposal introduced in February, would have drawn from lottery proceeds. Lottery funds pay for several state scholarship programs, including Tennessee Promise and the HOPE Scholarship. Yes, but: Lottery revenue is slipping, and there is less money to go around. Game revenue dropped by more than $70 million in fiscal year 2024, according to state data. By the numbers: Tennessee Education Lottery Corp. collected $501.3 million for lottery-funded education programs during fiscal year 2024, which ended last June. The corporation estimates those programs will continue to dip during the ongoing 2025 fiscal year, and they could fall below $475 million. Between the lines: A number of factors, such as inflation or gas prices, could be driving the revenue loss. Lottery officials tie the decline to the rise of legalized sports betting, which Tennessee approved in 2019. Zoom out: Sports betting revenue that previously flowed to lottery-funded scholarship programs has been rerouted to K-12 school upgrades as part of Lee's voucher plan, which became law this year. The big picture: Technical colleges provide major muscle for the state's workforce development efforts. (A special Tennessee College of Applied Technology site is being built alongside a massive Ford plant in West Tennessee to help prepare employees.) TCATs educate workers in manufacturing, auto repair, nursing, construction, mechatronics and other key fields. Tennessee doesn't have enough workers to fill all the open jobs in the state. Most businesses report a lack of trained workers. What they're saying: Lee's spokesperson tells Axios the governor expects to revive the scholarship plan in an effort to build out the workforce. "Governor Lee will continue working in partnership with the General Assembly to establish the Tennessee Works Scholarship," spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson said.
