All 40 Ayers Partner High Schools Named State FAFSA Champions, Achieving a 98.9% FAFSA Completion Rate Across Partner Schools

PARSONS, TENN. – The Ayers Foundation Trust is proud to celebrate a milestone year for student success, as Tennessee once again ranks No. 1 in the nation for FAFSA completion, with all 40 rural high schools participating in the Ayers Scholars Program named 2025–2026 FAFSA Champions. This year, Ayers partner schools achieved a combined 98.9% FAFSA completion rate — leading the state and the nation.

The designation, awarded by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC), recognizes schools that achieve a 90% or higher FAFSA completion rate or increase completion rates by at least 5 percentage points year over year. Ayers partner high schools comprise twenty-two of the twenty-eight schools recognized by THEC for the highest FAFSA completion by Tennessee Promise applicants by the April 1st deadline.

Research continues to show that students who complete the FAFSA are significantly more likely to enroll in postsecondary education or training, making it a critical first step toward career preparation and long-term economic mobility.

Among the standout performers, Bolivar Central High School increased its FAFSA completion rate by more than 40 percentage points in just one year, achieving a 100% FAFSA completion rate. As one of Ayers’ 2025 expansion schools, Bolivar’s achievement underscores the rapid and significant impact the Ayers Scholars Program is making in newly served communities. 

“These results reflect the dedication of our students, the commitment of our staff, and the strength of our partnerships across Tennessee,” said Dr. Burton Williams, CEO of the Ayers Foundation Trust. “To have all 40 of our partner schools earn Champion status in the same year, while achieving a 98.9% FAFSA completion rate across the program, is something we’ve never seen before, and it speaks to what’s possible when you invest time and support in rural communities. That 98.9% rate isn’t just a program record; it’s a number that leads Tennessee. Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps a student can take to unlock future opportunities, and we are proud to support every student in pursuing their goals.”

The Ayers Scholars Program supports students in rural and historically underserved communities by embedding trained counselors directly in partner high schools. These advisors work one-on-one with students to navigate college and career planning, including the financial aid process, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed to succeed after graduation.

The program’s impact continues to expand across the state. Today, the Ayers Scholars Program serves students in 40 rural high schools across 28 counties, and over the course of the program has helped more than 30,000 students access and succeed in postsecondary pathways. 

Ayers students consistently outperform statewide benchmarks, and the program’s model, focused on individualized support and long-term guidance, continues to drive increases in college-going, credential attainment, and career readiness.

“We are proud of the difference our team is making. Our scholars and their high schools are not only First in FAFSA in Tennessee, but also across the entire nation,” said Janet Ayers, Chairman of the Ayers Foundation Trust. “This is just one more example of how we remain firmly focused on expanding college access, strengthening rural communities, building our future workforce, and helping many more students move confidently toward their dreams.”

For updates and more information about the Ayers Scholars Program and the many other programs of the Ayers Foundation Trust, please visit AyersFoundation.org. 

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2025–2026 FAFSA Champions 

Ayers Scholars Program Partner High Schools

Mountain Region

• Cocke County High School 
• Union County High School 
• Cosby High School 
• Unicoi County High School 
• Hancock County High School 
• Johnson County High School

Plateau Region 

• Meigs High School 
• Oneida High School 
• Summertown High School 
• Cumberland Gap High School 
• Campbell County High School 
• Claiborne High School 
• Jellico High School 
• Scott High School

Cumberland Region

• Warren County High School 
• Van Buren High School 
• Bledsoe County School 
• White County High School 
• Clay County High School 

Middle Region 

• Lewis County High School 
• Wayne County High School 
• Lawrence County High School 
• Loretto High School 
• Frank Hughes School 
• Perry County High School 
• Collinwood High School

Southwest Region 

• Riverside High School 
• Hardin County High School 
• Adamsville High School 
• McNairy Central High School 
• Middleton High School 
• Bolivar Central High School (Most Improved + Highest Completion, Medium Division)

Northwest Region

• Lexington High School 
• Ripley High School 
• Houston County High School 
• Haywood High School 
• Scotts Hill High School 
• Camden Central High School 
• Halls High School 
• Lake County High School