The Start of TN Promise Meetings: A Tradition that Connects Us Across Tennessee

By Ben Sterling, Chief Content Officer at tnAchieves and proud tnAchieves graduate

Every November, one of tnAchieves’ oldest and most meaningful traditions begins — TN Promise meetings. 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 gatherings mark the beginning of each student’s journey with TN Promise and, more importantly, the next step in Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce.

“These meetings mark the start of each student’s journey with TN Promise — and the next step in Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce.”

Reaching Students in Every Tennessee Community

At tnAchieves, we are proud to serve students from all corners of our state — rural, suburban and urban alike. From rural communities to the state’s largest cities, our mission remains the same: to ensure that every Tennessee student has the opportunity to pursue a college degree or credential.

This year, our team will spend time in auditoriums, gyms and cafeterias across Tennessee. These meetings allow us to connect directly with students, explain how TN Promise works and help them understand the steps needed to take advantage of this life-changing opportunity.

More importantly, the meetings allow us to reinforce that every student — regardless of zip code or background — has a place in college in Tennessee.

Preparing the Next Generation of Tennessee’s Workforce

The TN Promise meetings are more than informational assemblies. They are an introduction to what is possible. Each session provides a roadmap for students to remain eligible for the scholarship — completing the application, filing the FAFSA and meeting the community service requirement — but they also serve as a powerful reminder that college (technical, community or four-year) is the best pathway to a meaningful career and economic independence.

As we talk about deadlines and requirements, we also talk about opportunity. These meetings are our chance to inspire students to see themselves as part of Tennessee’s growing and evolving workforce — as future nurses, engineers, educators, welders, entrepreneurs and more who will strengthen their communities and our economy.

College opens doors to meaningful careers and lifelong stability — the foundation of Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce.

A Statewide Effort to Support Student Success

Every year, I am reminded of how remarkable this statewide effort truly is. Our staff travels thousands of miles to ensure every student has the guidance and encouragement needed to take the next step toward their future career.

This work would not be possible without the support of our donors, mentors and community partners who share in our belief that every student in Tennessee deserves a pathway to prosperity.

As TN Promise meetings begin once again, we are filled with optimism and gratitude as we continue to Build Tennessee’s Future Workforce.

Get Involved

Learn how you can support Tennessee students through mentorship or by giving at tnAchieves.org.