Representing more than 80 percent of the state’s counties, rural communities are not only the heart of Tennessee’s culture and values but also vital contributors to its economic strength.

This report reflects our deep commitment to you. It is designed to inform, engage, and celebrate the rural students and families we proudly serve.

Supporting Rural Students

We understand that students in rural areas often face unique challenges in accessing and navigating post-secondary opportunities. Whether it is limited resources, transportation barriers, or a lack of exposure to career pathways, these obstacles can make the journey to a meaningful career more difficult. Since our founding, tnAchieves has worked to remove those barriers so that every student—regardless of zip code—has a clear and supported path forward.

Rooted in Rural Tennessee

tnAchieves is deeply rooted in rural Tennessee. We serve all students—public, private, and homeschooled—and partner with all types of post-secondary institutions: community, technical, and four-year. We believe in placing a big tent around the word college.

Our rural impact would not be possible without the rich partnerships we have with local community organizations, chambers of commerce, school systems, employers, and other stakeholders who make rural communities so special.

Our Vision, Unchanged

More than 17 years later, our vision remains unchanged: to invest in programs that increase college access and success while preparing students for careers that matter.

Rural Tennessee is not just part of our mission—it is central to it. Together, we can continue to empower the next generation of leaders, workers, and innovators who will shape the future of our great state.

Randy Boyd
tnAchieves Chairman

Krissy DeAlejandro
tnAchieves President & CEO