Access

College Access in Tennessee

As the nation’s largest college access organization, tnAchieves partners with school counselors to increase college-going rates by providing Access coaching to students. In Knox County, Access coaches are assigned to all high schools to support students through critical college enrollment milestones. In Shelby County, the 2026 cohort marks the first year of an Access pilot, with full school assignments beginning with the Class of 2027.

Knox Access Milestone Dashboard
Students working on desktop computers in a classroom with white walls and ceiling tiles, windows, and wall decorations including a clock and gear-shaped artwork.

About Access

  • Coaches assist in four major benchmarks associated with college access: TN Promise application, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), College application and Fall Registration. Coaches work with students in 1-1/small groups, classroom visits, workshops, and virtually. The goal of the Access program is to ensure that all students have a clear pathway to a post-secondary institution regardless of TN Promise intentions. Our goal is to increase the college-going rate to 70% and report where 100% of the 4000+ Knox and Sevier County seniors land in the fall following their high school graduation.

    • November 3: 100% of seniors complete TN Promise application.

    • April 1: 94% of seniors filed FAFSA.

    • May 1: 95% of seniors applied to at least one college.

    • August 2: 90% of Seniors register of Fall classes.

    • By September 1: 100% of seniors report their post-graduation outcome.

    • By September 1: 70% of seniors enroll in college.

  • High Schools: Halls, Gibbs
    Coach: Allison Johnson
    Contact Information: allison@tnachieves.org

    High Schools: Hardin Valley, Karns, L&N STEM
    Coach: Hayley Clark
    Contact Information: hayley@tnachieves.org

    High Schools: Richard Yoakley, Farragut, West
    Coach: Daniela Rodriguez
    Contact Information: daniela@tnachieves.org

    High Schools: Powell, CMA, Carter, KVA
    Coach: Kory Martinez
    Contact Information: kory@tnachieves.org

    High Schools: The King’s Academy, Knox County Virtual School, South Doyle, Bearden
    Coach: Lauren Reavis
    Contact Information: lauren@tnachieves.org

    High Schools: Memphis Shelby County Schools
    Coach: Noelle Equi
    Contact Information: noelle@tnachieves.org

Empty auditorium with rows of chairs and a stage at the front, in black and white.
A classroom with students seated at desks, some working on laptops, and a teacher standing in the background.

CONTACT US

CONTACT US

Have questions or need help? Allison Johnson leads Access for tnAchieves and would love to help!

Email Allison