Training Tennessee's Workforce with TCAT Presidents Melody Edmonds and Cliff Wightman
At tnAchieves, we like to put a big tent around the word college. College is not just four-year universities. It also includes community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs). While many may think of TCATs as being separate, they DO belong under the college umbrella; the word college is right there in the name! In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with TCAT McMinnville President Melody Edmonds and TCAT Upper Cumberland President Cliff Wightman. They talk about their journeys to leading a TCAT and the privilege of training Tennessee’s workforce. They’re also sharing the advantages of enrolling at a TCAT and also clearing up some misconceptions about the future careers available to their students; it’s not just for welding!
For Immediate Release: tnAchieves Celebrates Rural Impact in New Report
tnAchieves is proud to share a new Rural Impact Report, highlighting the vital importance of rural communities across Tennessee and our commitment to supporting students there.
Students earning a post-secondary credential with the support of tnAchieves is a game-changer for rural counties. From changing the trajectory of students’ lives to attracting high-quality careers, prioritizing post-secondary attainment leads to meaningful economic impact and community mobility. Key findings on the return of investment for rural counties partnering with tnAchieves include:
Available Now: Rural Impact Report
tnAchieves has supported 24,401 rural college graduates -- 84.7% of which live and work in Tennessee. These graduates have generated an $18.9B economic impact.
Policy in Action: Partnering for Tennessee’s Future Workforce with Michael Hendrix
Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce isn’t something that tnAchieves does alone. It takes support and partnership from a variety of partners. That includes our state’s government.
In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Policy Director Michael Hendrix. He talks about the governor’s priorities while in office, which include a strong workforce, economic development and quality education. Hendrix explains why these were chosen to be focused on and how tnAchieves is uniquely suited to help push our state forward in these areas.
An Idea on a Whiteboard with Randy Boyd
Ever wondered how tnAchieves began? We started in 2008 as knoxAchieves. It began as a conversation…and an idea on a whiteboard. That brainstorming idea grew into a workforce development initiative in Knox County. From there it continued to grow and scale (hence our podcast name) before becoming the statewide and nationally recognized organization it is today. In this episode of the At Scale Podcast, we take a trip down memory lane with Randy Boyd. It’s a reminder of how we began, the lessons we’ve learned along the way and where we’re headed.
Building a Better Future For All of Austin's Youth with Austin 2030 Network
Austin 2030 describes itself as a network of school, higher education, non-profit, business, civic and community leaders who are committed to improving education outcomes for children and youth in Austin, Texas. Their current focus: establish a college promise for Austin’s youth. In this episode of the At Scale Podcast, tnAchieves sits down with Stacey Oliver and Geronimo Rodriguez to talk about the work it takes to make this pathway to an Austin Promise and why it will take a community-wide effort.
TN Promise Application Now Open
Today, the TN Promise application is officially open for the Class of 2026! Whether you're a student, parent or educator, here’s everything you need to know about how to apply, what TN Promise is, and why it’s a game-changer for Tennessee students.
Knox County Leaders Provide Update On 70% by 2024 Goal and Announce ADVANCE865
ADVANCE865 is a community of leaders and organizations committed to increasing successful outcomes for Knox County graduates. Through innovative strategies and accountability, the collective works to inspire advocates, increase collaboration and ensure all Knox County graduates are empowered to pursue a high-quality pathway after high school.
Celebrating Team tnAchieves Partners
Each year we ask for organizations across Tennessee to stand with students in supporting mentorship, job shadowing or other tnAchieves programs in their community. tnAchieves values partnerships across the state deeply; we believe that students have a clearer path to college and career when business, industry, educators and community leaders collaborate to provide opportunities. Their buy-in has made tnAchieves into the program it is today and continues to push us to be better not just for students, but for the communities we serve.
Press Release: tnAchieves Announces 2025 Team tnAchieves Members
Press Release: tnAchieves Announces 2025 Team tnAchieves Members
tnAchieves is proud to announce that 52 organizations across the state have championed students in their communities by joining Team tnAchieves in 2025. tnAchieves relies on support from community partners to open doors and enhance connections in each of the 74 counties we serve.
Here’s to 2024 and looking ahead to 2025.
tnAchieves seeks to be humble but ambitious, disruptive yet intentional, and student-focused while also data-driven.
We want to stay true to mission, understanding that the organization must also continuously evolve to best serve students and families. Over the last 17 years, we have broken some things (in a great way!!). We have also built many things, and we have created something that stems from the idea that a college credential can be a powerful equalizer.
Winter 2024 Newsletter
The holiday season marks an exciting time at tnAchieves as we kick off mandatory TN Promise meetings with the Class of 2025—our largest class yet at 67,000+ students! These gatherings bring together students, parents, mentors, and our team to inspire and set goals for college success. Fall was equally dynamic, with record-breaking job shadowing events, over $1.6M in COMPLETE Grants distributed, and 5,000+ volunteers stepping up as mentors. We also celebrated our first Giving Tuesday campaign, driving support for our mission. As we reflect on these milestones, we’re energized for an incredible 2025. Don’t miss our new short film, showcasing the impact of tnAchieves and the power of student success stories!
Celebrate Giving Tuesday with tnAchieves and Support Students Across the State
This Giving Tuesday, tnAchieves is asking the community to join in the global day of giving to kick off the holiday season. The tnAchieves Giving Tuesday campaign will help provide financial support to enhance post-secondary opportunities and outcomes by providing holistic student supports rooted in community and accountability.