Taking the "Idea On A Whiteboard" Statewide with Governor Bill Haslam
Celebrate one year of At Scale with Governor Bill Haslam as he reflects on leadership, the creation of Tennessee Promise, and the power of a shared vision to drive statewide impact.
At Scale Newsletter: March 2026
tnAchieves March 2026 newsletter highlights Tennessee’s Future Workforce Framework, shaped by feedback from nearly 6,000 TN Promise students, alongside urgent FAFSA deadline support events and statewide outreach. It also features workforce-focused training with Nissan, emphasizing career readiness, coaching, and cross-sector partnerships.
Tennessee’s Future Workforce Framework
On March 23, tnAchieves released Tennessee’s Future Workforce Framework, a data-driven strategy informed by nearly 6,000 students across 81 counties that outlines how Tennessee can better connect education to workforce outcomes. The framework highlights key challenges students face—including financial barriers, limited career exposure and gaps in workforce connections—while reinforcing the impact of coaching, mentorship and targeted supports. It also establishes five core commitments to strengthen pathways to credentials of value, high-impact careers and long-term economic mobility, serving as a call to action for education, business and policymakers to align around a shared strategy to build Tennessee’s future workforce.
Securing Futures for Middle Tennessee Students with Tara Scarlett
In this episode of At Scale, Tara Scarlett discusses expanding postsecondary access and securing stronger workforce pathways for Middle Tennessee students. The conversation explores scholarships, systems-level change, statewide education goals, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in learning. Tune in for a forward-looking discussion on leadership, collaboration, and building Tennessee’s future talent pipeline.
A Lesson in Leadership and Innovation with Chancellor Donde Plowman
In Episode 23 of At Scale, Chancellor Donde Plowman of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville shares how UT is improving student outcomes through leadership, culture, and innovation. The conversation explores what it takes to create alignment in a complex institution while keeping students at the center. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
At Scale Newsletter: February 2026
From supporting early graduates in Knox County to empowering students at the State Capitol and expanding career-focused mentorship statewide, tnAchieves continues to Build Tennessee’s Future Workforce. This month, we highlight how intentional hand-offs, legislative engagement and workforce mentorship are strengthening student success from high school through career entry. With data-backed results and growing statewide impact, these initiatives are helping students graduate at higher rates and step confidently into Tennessee’s workforce. Read more in our February At Scale Newsletter.
An Idea On A Whiteboard Part 2
In An Idea on a Whiteboard Part 2, former Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale returns to reflect on the bold beginnings of Knox Achieves and the statewide impact that followed through Tennessee Promise. He shares why mentorship, community service, and clear workforce pathways to credentials of value remain essential for Tennessee students today. This episode is a powerful reminder that student success is not about statistics — it is about individuals, families, and opportunity across the Volunteer State.
Tennessee's Competitive Edge
Tennessee’s economy is thriving, but long-term success depends on building a strong, prepared workforce. In our latest At Scale episode, Josh Brown and Stephanie Coleman share how education, talent development, and economic opportunity are coming together across the state. Listen now to hear how partnerships and career pathways are helping students access high-wage, high-demand futures.
Preparing Students for the AI Future with Jeff Riley (Day of AI)
Former Massachusetts education commissioner Jeff Riley, now leading Day of AI, joins At Scale hosts Ben Sterling and Graham Thomas to discuss how schools, teachers, and students can responsibly integrate artificial intelligence. A must-listen for K–12 administrators, educators, and postsecondary leaders, this episode explores how AI can reduce administrative burdens, personalize learning, and prepare students for the future of work—all while keeping ethics and equity at the forefront.
The Start of TN Promise Meetings: A Tradition that Connects Us Across Tennessee
Over the next several weeks, our team will visit hundreds of high schools across Tennessee to meet with nearly every high school senior in the state. These meetings introduce students to TN Promise, outline key steps for success and, most importantly, inspire them to take the next step toward college and career success.
At tnAchieves, we are proud to serve students from all corners of Tennessee — rural, suburban and urban alike — as we continue Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce.