The Tennessee Promise scholarship changed the trajectory for tens of thousands of Tennessee students, including nearly 15,600 Ayers Scholars, by removing the tuition barrier at in-state community colleges and technical schools.

“The Tennessee Promise is an incredible asset for our Ayers Scholars and more than half of our students take advantage of this resource each year,” said Dr. Burton Wiliams, CEO of the Ayers Foundation Trust. “We are proud to partner with the state of Tennessee to ensure all of the students we serve have access to degrees and credentials that lead to a prosperous life.” 

Implemented on May 12, 2014, the scholarship has allowed more than 150,000 students to pursue their goals of college, creating a more skilled and competitive workforce in Tennessee.

Tennessee Promise offers eligible high school seniors the opportunity to obtain a technical certificate or associate degree tuition-free, paying for tuition and mandatory fees not covered by other financial aid sources. 

The Ayers Foundation Trust and tnAchieves are the official Tennessee Higher Education Commission partners in administering the scholarship. Our Ayers College Access Counselors ensure consistent communication with students and oversee requirements like mandatory meetings and requisite community service hours.

“Tennessee Promise has been a model for the nation that enables many thousands of students each year to attend college and improve their lives. Promise is a tremendous value for students attending our public community and technical colleges. The generational $1 billion investment by Governor Lee and the General Assembly will greatly expand the educational opportunities available at our colleges. The new buildings and campuses – 29 major projects across the state – are already underway and will open in 2025 and 2026,” said Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings.