The Economic Impact of tnAchieves
A University of Tennessee Boyd Center report finds that tnAchieves students who complete a post-secondary credential generate between $40.6 billion and $45.9 billion in total lifetime earnings. This demonstrates that tnAchieves drives both individual success and statewide economic growth by increasing workforce participation and earnings. Since 2009, tnAchieves has served students in 91 counties, supported 57,767 credential earners, and maintains strong partnerships with high schools and colleges across Tennessee. With 84.7 percent of graduates remaining in-state, tnAchieves strengthens local communities through a more skilled workforce and sustained economic reinvestment.
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.