At Scale Newsletter: October 2025
Welcome to the latest edition of the At Scale Newsletter, where we highlight the impactful programs and initiatives falling into one of our three priorities — all designed to drive our mission to Build Tennessee’s Future Workforce.
Click to read each section!
Transfer with tnAchieves
While many tnAchieves students enter the workforce immediately after earning their associate degree, some of our students decide to take the next step to transfer to a four-year university. In 2021, the tnAchieves COMPLETE Transfer Pilot launched with the goal of increasing the percentage of tnAchieves students who transfer from a community college to a four-year university. Each year more than 65 percent of our college freshmen share they have intentions of transferring but less than 30 percent successfully make this critical transition. tnAchieves launched our transfer work to close the divide between student aspiration and reality. Since the launch of our pilot, all of our COMPLETE Coaches receive intentional training to best support any student who wants to continue on after earning their associate degree.
Student Spotlight: Navigating the Transfer Journey
That includes students like Destiny Collins! After using the TN Promise Scholarship at Northeast State Community College, tnAchieves helped her transfer to East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Hear in her own words about why she decided to transfer and how tnAchieves was able to help!
Where and why did you decide to transfer?
I transferred from Northeast State Community College to East Tennessee State University because ETSU offers the program that best aligns with my long-term career goals. While I’m excited about my future at ETSU, I can honestly say Northeast was the best school I’ve ever attended. I truly miss the sense of family there—everyone genuinely wanted to see you succeed.
How did tnAchieves support you through the transfer process?
tnAchieves helped me stay on track with important deadlines and connected me to resources that made the transfer process much less stressful. Having a mentor who guided me and answered my questions gave me the confidence I needed to take the next step.
What advice do you have for other students who want to transfer?
Plan ahead and communicate often with your advisors and mentors. Take advantage of the support systems available—they can make your transition much smoother. And don’t be afraid to ask questions—people truly want to help you succeed.
Destiny is right; tnAchieves does want to help you succeed! If you’re a student who is thinking about transferring, reach out to tnAchieves COMPLETE Coach Abby Creekmore, or check out some reasons to transfer and a checklist here.
TN Promise Application/FAFSA Blitz
Our team has been busy this month visiting high schools across the state for TN Promise Application and FAFSA Blitzes! Senior year is a very busy time for students and guidance counselors to meet all of those college-going milestones! Our team is always ready to hop-in and help in this area! Thanks to all of the high schools who have opened the doors to us to make sure high school seniors feel prepared to pursue their college dreams!
Don’t forget! Seniors have just a few days left to apply for the TN Promise scholarship! The deadline is November 3. Apply now at tnpromise.gov!
To remain eligible for TN Promise, students must also complete the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1, 2026. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is open now at StudentAid.gov! NOTE: Before you can complete the FAFSA, the student AND a parent must each create a StudentAid.gov account. It should take just a few minutes.
If you need help applying for TN Promise, creating a StudentAid.gov account or filing the 2026-2027 FAFSA, tnAchieves is happy to help! Just respond to this email and someone from our team will reach out!
Workforce Mentor FAQs
There are fewer than three weeks left to join the 2026 tnAchieves Mentor Program! This year, we’re offering two ways to impact students’ lives.
Access Mentorship is for those who want to help seniors make the transition from high school to college.
Workforce Mentorship is brand new! It’s career-focused for those who want to help college sophomores who are preparing to enter the workforce.
Here are some questions we’ve gotten about the new Workforce Mentorship program:
Q: Can retirees be Workforce Mentors?
A: Yes! Workforce Mentors will facilitate career exploration and workforce preparation in the career/industry of your choice. If you’re retired, we still welcome your experience and expertise as a guide for our students.
Q: Will I still be working with students at the high school of my choice?
A: No, Workforce Mentors will be paired based on the career/industry of your choice. Since the 2026 mentor program is completely virtual, you may be working with students across Tennessee! Access Mentors will still be paired based on your choice of high school/home county.
Q: What if I have worked in multiple business industries in my career? How will I be paired with students?
A: Workforce Mentors will be able to list multiple fields they have experience in. We will then match students with you accordingly. While industries will be aligned as much as possible, we cannot guarantee that students and mentors will be an exact career match.
Q: Can I serve as both an Access AND Workforce Mentor?
A: While we appreciate you wanting to help as many students as possible, mentors must pick either Access OR Workforce Mentorship in 2026. To provide the best experience possible for students and mentors, you cannot serve as both at this time.
If you have more questions, please reach out to our Director of Mentors, Baylor Atkins (Baylor@tnAchieves.org). To register as a tnAchieves Mentor, click here. It isi completely virtual and only takes one hour per month. The deadline to register is November 14!
