TN Promise / TN Reconnect

Sumner County is committed to creating pathways for educational success and workforce readiness through initiatives like TN Promise and TN Reconnect. TN Promise provides last-dollar scholarships covering tuition and mandatory fees for recent high school graduates attending community or technical colleges. This transformative program has increased postsecondary enrollment rates and supports our region’s economic vitality.

Similarly, TN Reconnect ensures adults 25 years and older can return to school with last-dollar funding to complete an associate degree or technical diploma. By fostering lifelong learning, both programs play a critical role in Tennessee’s ambitious Drive to 55 initiative—empowering more than half of our residents to achieve a postsecondary credential by 2025.

What is Tennessee Promise? (Video Overview)

Hear more through a quick overview of the Tennessee Promise, the tuition-free program for all Tennessee residents.

TN Promise: Key Facts & Updates

In the 2023 Tennessee Promise Annual Report, over 66,000 high school seniors from the Class of 2024 applied for TN Promise, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous year.
As of Fall 2023, more than 126,000 students have been served by TN Promise since the program launched in 2015.
TCAT enrollment among TN Promise students is at a record high—over 16% of new participants.
TN Promise students have higher retention and completion rates, with more than 41,000 credentials earned since inception.

Download the latest 2023 TN Promise Annual Report for full metrics and analysis.

TN Reconnect: Empowering Adult Learners

Tennessee Reconnect offers last-dollar grants for adults returning to college or technical school who haven’t previously completed a degree. Whether pursuing an associate degree at a community college or earning a diploma/certificate from a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), TN Reconnect allows adult students to attend tuition-free.

Average Reconnect applicant is a 32-year-old female balancing work, family, and studies.
Reconnect Navigators provide personalized support, resulting in 11% higher persistence rates and 8% higher graduation rates among participants.
A large percentage of Reconnectors enroll in community colleges, with 87% attending Tennessee’s public community colleges.

Explore the Navigate Reconnect 2024 Annual Report for the latest data on adult learner success.

Drive to 55 in Sumner County

Tennessee’s statewide goal is to ensure that at least 55% of Tennesseans hold a postsecondary credential by 2025. Sumner County has seen a steady rise in credential attainment rates, climbing from 37.5% to approximately 43.5% in recent years. Continuing to strengthen TN Promise and TN Reconnect participation is a key strategy for our region to achieve this milestone.

Local data on Drive to 55 progress in Sumner County is continuously updated through Forward Sumner’s Workforce Development initiatives.

Success Stories & Testimonials

Andrew Patton, Tennessee Reconnect Student:
“ Programs like TN Reconnect can help alleviate financial burdens, allowing students to focus on academics and pursue their degrees. It’s given me the opportunity to advance my career and transform my life. ”

Class of 2023 TN Promise Graduate:
“ I couldn’t have done it without Tennessee Promise. As a first-generation college student, the financial support and mentorship made all the difference in finally earning my associate degree. ”

Have a success story to share? Contact us so we can feature your journey and inspire future participants.

How to Apply & Get Started

Steps to Apply for TN Promise (High School Seniors):

Complete the TN Promise Application on tn.gov/tnpromise by the fall deadline.
File your FAFSA by the specified deadline (usually February 1).
Attend a mandatory team meeting and complete required volunteer hours.
Enroll full-time at an eligible institution and maintain required GPA.

Steps to Apply for TN Reconnect (Adults 25+):

Create an account on the TSAC Portal to access the TN Reconnect application.
Complete the FAFSA for the relevant award year and confirm you meet residency & independent student requirements.
Enroll at least part-time (6 credit hours) in an associate degree or certificate program at an eligible institution.
Participate in a Reconnect Success Plan or advising program to maintain eligibility.

For detailed checklists, deadlines, and frequently asked questions, visit tnreconnect.gov .

Ready to Advance Your Education?

Learn more about TN Promise and TN Reconnect by visiting their official websites for eligibility details, application deadlines, and local advising resources.

Visit TN Promise Site Visit TN Reconnect Site

Workforce Impact & Economic Growth

By enhancing access to higher education for both recent graduates and adult learners, TN Promise and TN Reconnect are integral to Sumner County’s workforce development. A more credentialed population boosts economic development, increases earning potential for graduates, and meets the talent demands of local employers. From technical skills to associate degrees, these programs help bridge critical skill gaps in high-demand industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.