Latest news with #TennesseePromise
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tennessee leads nation in FAFSA application rate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee is topping the charts, not in music, but in the number of completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. According to the nonprofit, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), the Volunteer State leads the nation in FAFSA completion. The state reported 75.7% of Tennessee Promise students completed the FAFSA, a record-breaking rate for Tennessee. 'I think a lot of educators try to teach and prepare students for the future, and college, attending college to further that education is one of their pathways beyond high school,' Jason Seay with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission said. FAFSA is federal financial aid to help students pay for college. Tennessee typically ranks in the top two or three in the country for its FAFSA completion rate. This year, the TN Higher Education Commission credits the state's 'all hands on deck' approach to its highest application completion rate yet. 'That tremendous network of college access organizations statewide that help students at the high school level, in addition to school counselors, educators, financial aid administrators,' Seay said. 'All that centered around that FAFSA Frenzy Campaign is something we rely on each and every year to become the leader in the nation of FAFSA completion.' In addition to the state's high FAFSA application completion rate, the Class of 2025 also saw a record-breaking number of students apply for the 'last dollar scholarship,' which covers tuition and other fees for community or technical college that the FAFSA doesn't. ⏩ The priority deadline for the FAFSA for the Tennessee Promise scholarship has passed, but other students participating in different programs still have time to apply for federal financial aid. To complete the FAFSA, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former governor Bill Haslam appointed to University of Tennessee Board of Trustees
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has tapped Bill Haslam, the former governor of Tennessee and Knoxville mayor, to serve on the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees. The board serves as the governing body of the University of Tennessee system, overseeing operations across the system's five campuses. University of Tennessee loses $37M in grant funding amid federal funding cuts Sexton's announcement came on the day that a new state law took effect increasing the board membership from 12 to 14. The governor previously appointed 10 of the 12 board members. The new law requires the speaker of each chamber of the general assembly to appoint two board members each. Haslam was elected Mayor of Knoxville in 2003, winning re-election in 2007 and serving until 2011. He went on to succeed Phil Bredesen as the 49th Governor of Tennessee. The former governors now host the 'You Might Be Right' podcast together from Howard Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Lawmakers earmark $165M for new University of Tennessee chemistry building Haslam began his career working at Pilot Corporation, founded by his father Jim Haslam, and served as the company's president from 1995 to 1999. He is set to become the majority owner of the NHL's Nashville Predators and is spearheading an investment group aimed at bringing a WNBA franchise to the city. Forbes has estimated his current net worth at $5.1 billion. The Haslam family has been a major donor to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The business school was renamed the Haslam College of Business in 2014 and the music college became the the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music last year. ▶ See more top stories on 'Governor Bill Haslam's appointment to the University of Tennessee Board is a significant win for higher education in our state. Few leaders understand the importance of education and workforce development the way he does. From launching Tennessee Promise and Drive to 55 during his time as governor to working closely with both K–12 and higher education systems, Governor Haslam has always been committed to opening doors of opportunity for Tennesseans. His appointment comes at a time of strong growth and innovation across the UT System. His deep understanding of state government, his passion for education, and his results-driven approach will complement the outstanding work President Boyd and the board have already accomplished. Together, I believe they will continue to elevate the UT System as a national leader in higher education.' Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton statement on Haslam's appointment Randy Boyd, who has served at the UT System President since 2018, served as a Special Advisor on Higher Education to then-Governor Haslam in 2013 before being appointed commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development in 2015. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
01-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Slipping lottery funds sidelined Tennessee governor's scholarship plan
Gov. Bill Lee's pitch to add scholarship funding to help technical college students pay for equipment and books is on hold for at least a year because of a dip in lottery revenue. Why it matters: Most Tennesseans can go to technical colleges tuition-free. But existing scholarships don't always cover the full price of attendance, which includes costly supplies and other fees that can add up fast. Those extra expenses stop many from enrolling. State of play: Lee's $12.1 million plan, part of his initial budget proposal introduced in February, would have drawn from lottery proceeds. Lottery funds pay for several state scholarship programs, including Tennessee Promise and the HOPE Scholarship. Yes, but: Lottery revenue is slipping, and there is less money to go around. Game revenue dropped by more than $70 million in fiscal year 2024, according to state data. By the numbers: Tennessee Education Lottery Corp. collected $501.3 million for lottery-funded education programs during fiscal year 2024, which ended last June. The corporation estimates those programs will continue to dip during the ongoing 2025 fiscal year, and they could fall below $475 million. Between the lines: A number of factors, such as inflation or gas prices, could be driving the revenue loss. Lottery officials tie the decline to the rise of legalized sports betting, which Tennessee approved in 2019. Zoom out: Sports betting revenue that previously flowed to lottery-funded scholarship programs has been rerouted to K-12 school upgrades as part of Lee's voucher plan, which became law this year. The big picture: Technical colleges provide major muscle for the state's workforce development efforts. (A special Tennessee College of Applied Technology site is being built alongside a massive Ford plant in West Tennessee to help prepare employees.) TCATs educate workers in manufacturing, auto repair, nursing, construction, mechatronics and other key fields. Tennessee doesn't have enough workers to fill all the open jobs in the state. Most businesses report a lack of trained workers. What they're saying: Lee's spokesperson tells Axios the governor expects to revive the scholarship plan in an effort to build out the workforce. "Governor Lee will continue working in partnership with the General Assembly to establish the Tennessee Works Scholarship," spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson said.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
College counselors urge students to complete FAFSA despite Dept. of Education uncertainty
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — With the deadline for local scholarships approaching next week, it is still uncertain what dismantling the Department of Education will do to federal financial aid. Despite the uncertainty, college counselors are still stressing the importance of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. 'My role in helping students and families with FAFSA this year is not any different than it was last year,' said West High School college counselor Sarah Bast. While the Department of Education is one of the largest providers of student financial aid in the nation, Bast said the FAFSA creates many opportunities for students to receive money for college outside of the federal government. Advocates fear for future of special education programs funded by US government 'For most of our students, that step is the first in a chain of being able to access higher education. It provides them the resources that they need,' she said, 'And my message to seniors in August when we're applying for Tennessee Promise and helping them understand what needs to happen with FAFSA and HOPE and all of that is to say really there's no excuse not to do this.' High school senior Bailey Fortner agreed. She said financial aid opportunities played a large role in her decision to go to the University of Tennessee in the fall. 'I know the out-of-state college is definitely more expensive than in-state, and I'm kind of looking at going to medical school. So that was definitely also a big factor to be like, 'okay, how much am I going to pay for undergrad versus like going on to more,'' she said. Boys and Girls Clubs expanding across East TN amid federal funding uncertainty Since students must complete the FAFSA each year to continue eligibility for scholarships, she said with the current state of the Department of Education, she is unsure what that means for the rest of her college career. 'We don't really know what's going to happen in the next couple of years,' said Fortner. 'It definitely is going to be interesting to watch and see. But yeah, I just hope I can keep learning.' In the meantime, Bast said the funding is there for those who want to access higher education. 'All they know is they need to get it done, and they want help with that,' said Bast. 'That's really my role is to make sure those students and families have the ability to get that submitted if they need help or if they don't need help.' ▶ See more top stories on While they have sustained cuts in staff and funding, FAFSA is still run out of the Department of Education, and the department cannot go away without an act of Congress. The deadline for the Tennessee Promise Scholarship is April 15. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Roane State Foundation accepting scholarship applications
The Roane State Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships. Students must have all information submitted by May 31 to qualify for awards that will apply to the 2025-2026 academic year. Hundreds of scholarships are available each year. Part-time and full-time Roane State students, including those who attend fully online, with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average are eligible to apply, according to a news release. The application is available at Middle and Early College students wishing to apply should use the parent portal at to access the application. More than $500,000 in scholarships was awarded this past year. 'We believe every student should have the opportunity to pursue their goals,' said Scott Niermann, executive director of the Roane State Foundation. 'Whether you are graduating from high school, a current student returning to Roane State or starting your journey as a non-traditional adult student, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.' The Tennessee Promise scholarship covers tuition costs for conventional students enrolled after graduating from high school. Tennessee Reconnect is the program covering tuition for students 24 and older who are returning to college or enrolling for the first time. Middle and Early College students are eligible to receive grant support through the state of Tennessee. Niermann said Roane State Foundation scholarships are available to help pay for additional expenses like textbooks, school supplies and transportation needs. He added that educational expenses for the typical student can total around $1,500 a year, while those studying health care need special shoes, scrubs and other related items that can double that. To help offset these costs, the Roane State Foundation has a general scholarship fund that has been endowed by generous alumni and supporters. These funds are available to help students in any county. Community members who would like to help this endowment grow can contribute a gift online at This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Roane State Foundation accepting scholarship applications
