Milestone advances State’s vision of expanding college and career access across all of Tennessee’s most economically-distressed rural communities.

PARSONS, Tenn. – The Ayers Foundation Trust and Pickett County Schools announced today that Pickett County High School has been selected to join the nationally-acclaimed Ayers Scholars Program, bringing individualized college and career advising to local students beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

This expansion marks a significant statewide milestone. With the addition of Pickett County, the Ayers Scholars Program now serves students in every Tennessee county currently designated as economically-distressed, advancing Governor Bill Lee and the state’s vision of expanding educational opportunity across Tennessee’s most economically-challenged rural communities.

“Since day one of the Lee Administration, our goal has been to ensure students in every corner of Tennessee have access to the opportunities and support they need to succeed,” said Governor Bill Lee. “Investments in programs like the Ayers Scholars Program help strengthen rural communities by preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success, and we’re proud to celebrate this important milestone with Pickett County.”

Through funding provided by the Governor’s Rural Education Foundation, students in Pickett County will receive comprehensive college and career planning support beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Since its founding in 1999, the Ayers Scholars Program has helped thousands of students across rural Tennessee access higher education, career training, and other postsecondary opportunities. The program places full-time, trained counselors and advisors in partner high schools, providing individualized guidance beginning in the eighth grade and continuing through college or other postsecondary pathways.

“On behalf of Pickett County Schools, our educators, and most importantly, our students and families, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ayers Foundation Trust for the newly formed partnership and dedication to our school community. Preparing students for life after high school is one of our most critical missions. Together, we will continue to remove barriers and invest in the future of our local community,” said Melissa Robbins, Pickett County Director of Schools.

“Pickett County is proud of its educational legacy and is committed to building a future where our students have access to opportunities that enable them to succeed both academically and personally. The Ayers Scholars Program’s innovative model resonates deeply with our vision for education excellence. By embedding dedicated, knowledgeable counselors in high schools, the program provides a tailored framework that not only boosts college-going rates but also nurtures the individual aspirations of each student. Our schools have always strived to create environments where every learner can thrive, and I believe that partnering with the Ayers Foundation Trust significantly enhances our ability to guide our students through critical academic and career decisions,” said Stephen Bilbrey, Pickett County Executive.

The Ayers Scholars Program continues to set the standard for college access and student success across rural Tennessee. Earlier this year, all 40 Ayers partner high schools were named 2025–2026 FAFSA Champions after achieving a combined 98.9% FAFSA completion rate, helping Tennessee once again lead the nation in FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion. Twenty-two Ayers partner schools were also recognized among the state’s top-performing Tennessee Promise high schools, demonstrating the program’s continued impact on expanding postsecondary access and opportunity.

“Reaching every current distressed county in Tennessee is an important milestone, but our work is ultimately measured by the success of the students we serve,” said Dr. Burton Williams, Chief Executive Officer of the Ayers Foundation Trust. “We’re honored to partner with Pickett County Schools and look forward to helping students build confidence, discover opportunities, and prepare for successful futures.”

“The addition of Pickett County represents more than another expansion—it reflects years of work to ensure students in Tennessee’s most economically challenged rural communities have access to the same opportunities as students anywhere else in the state,” said Janet Ayers, Chairman of the Ayers Foundation Trust. “We’re grateful to Governor Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly for their continued investment in rural education and for making this milestone possible.”

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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