tnAchieves Summer Institute (SWTCC)

tnAchieves Summer Institute is a FREE six-week program where students take three college-level classes along with any remedial courses required based on ACT scores and/or high school GPA. Students completing the program receive nine college credit hours and begin college a semester ahead! Summer Institute is an excellent way for students to gain college experience and get ahead in classes prior to the start of the fall semester. The program is complete FREE and lunch will be provided daily. In addition to the academic benefits, students also meet peers, learn from college professors and experience life on campus. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Application Closed

PROGRAM DETAILS

ELIGIBILITY

Students interested in Summer Institute must:

  1. Graduate from a participating high school.
    Booker T. Washington, Central, City University, East, Fairley, Freedom Prep, Hamilton, Hillcrest, Kingsbury, Kirby, Manassas, Melrose, Mitchell, Oakhaven, Overton, Pathways, Ridgeway, Sheffield, Southwind, Westwood, Whitehaven or Wooddale
  2. Be willing to commit to the entire six-week program.
    Only three excused absences are accepted.
  3. Meet all deadlines outlined below.
DEADLINES
  • Apply to Summer Institute at www.tnachieves.org/summerprograms by May 7, 2021.
  • Apply to SWTCC by May 17, 2021.
  • Provide tnAchieves with ACT scores by May 17, 2021.
  • Complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA by May 17, 2021. (tnAchieves will hold virtual FAFSA help sessions.)
  • Attend a mandatory orientation on June 9, 2021 or June 16, 2021 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm.
  • Complete verification and admissions requirements by June 28, 2021.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is this program impacted by COVID-19?
Students who participate are required to follow all COVID-19 policies laid out by the institution. All classes will be properly social distanced and students will be required to wear masks throughout their time on campus.

I took SAILS math in high school; do I still have to take the math support class?
Yes! Every student in the program is required to participate in all six classes.

What is a learning support class?
A learning support class is a class that students must enroll in if they score below a specific threshold on the ACT or placement test prior to college enrollment. The class credit hours will not count towards the student's major but the student is required to take the class and pass it to be considered college level in that subject.

Do I have to attend Southwest in the fall or can I transfer to a different institution?
Students who participate in the program are not required to attend Southwest in the fall. We strongly encourage students to verify with their intended college that any college credits earned during the program will transfer to their college.

I only need to take one support class based on my ACT score. Can I still participate?
Yes! You will only take the classes you require for Summer Institute based on your ACT or GPA.

Can I still participate if I plan on attending a college in the fall that does not accept the TN Promise scholarship?
Students who are currently eligible for the TN Promise scholarship at the start of the program can participate even if they do not plan on using the scholarship in the fall, but credits are not guaranteed to transfer outside of the TN Community College system.

I have a summer vacation planned and I will miss several days of the program. Can I still participate?
Students are only allotted a total of three absences for the duration of the program. If your summer plans exceed the allotted absences, you should consider participating in our 3-week Summer Bridge Program. Absences are only allowed with an accepted documented excuse.

Is the program free?
Yes! The program is free to students. We provide all of the necessary supplies and lunch or snacks each day.

Application Closed

Note: Students who are unable to commit to the Summer Institute, we recommend considering the 3-week tnAchieves Summer Bridge Program or the 3.5-week tnAchieves Online Bridge Program. Both programs are designed to help equip students be more prepared for the first-semester of college and help improve comprehension of college-level English, reading and math