tnAchieves with Graham Thomas
Discover how tnAchieves is revolutionizing higher education by making college tuition-free and accessible to every Tennessee student. In this inspiring episode, we explore how a small Knox County program grew into the nation's largest college access and success program, serving all 95 Tennessee counties.
Learn about Tennessee Promise and how this local nonprofit breaks down barriers to higher education while building Tennessee's future workforce. From mentorship opportunities requiring just one hour monthly to coaching programs that increase graduation rates by 450%, tnAchieves proves community support transforms lives.
Key Topics Covered:
Tennessee Promise Program Overview
How students can attend community college tuition-free
The three core principles: scholarship, mentorship, and community service
Sustainable funding through lottery reserves requiring no new taxes
Mentorship Opportunities for Community Members
5,000 volunteers needed annually across Tennessee
One-hour monthly commitment can change a student's trajectory
Supporting first-generation college students through the application process
Complete Coaching Program Success
49% graduation rate for supported students vs. 11% without support
Full-time coaches providing near-peer relationship building
Emergency grants for books, computers, utilities, and groceries
Workforce Development Partnerships
Connections with major employers like Nissan, Deloitte, HCA, and Turner Construction
54% of students pursue healthcare or STEM careers
Job shadowing and career exploration opportunities
Community Impact and Future Growth
Over 5 million hours of community service completed by students
85% of graduates stay in Tennessee to live, work, and raise families
Exciting expansion plans including new Memphis initiatives
Links Mentioned:
tnAchieves Website: tnachieves.org
Mentorship Volunteer Signup: Available through website
Contact Graham Thomas: [email protected] or 615-604-1306
Bio:
Graham Thomas serves as Chief Community and Government Affairs Officer for tnAchieves, where he has worked since 2010. A University of Tennessee graduate, Graham helped grow the organization from serving 491 students in Knox County to supporting over 90,000 students annually across all Tennessee counties. His passion for connecting communities with educational opportunities has made him a driving force behind Tennessee's transformation into a leader in college access and workforce development.
Timestamps:
00:00 Celebrating Community Stories
00:37 The Journey of Tennessee Achieves
02:19 From Politics to Nonprofit Impact
05:18 Expanding Reach: From Local to Statewide
08:06 The Importance of Workforce Training
11:14 Mentorship: The Secret Sauce of Success
16:32 Navigating College: The Role of Mentors
20:19 Financial Support and Community Service
23:26 The Complete Coaching Program
26:15 Sustainability of Tennessee Promise
28:20 Post-Pandemic Challenges in Education
32:47 Incentivizing Education in Tennessee
36:25 Overcoming Barriers to Higher Education
40:52 The Value of Higher Education
44:49 Local Engagement and Community Support
48:50 Future Goals and Program Expansion
54:57 Connecting Students to Workforce Opportunities
01:00:54 The Importance of Mentorship and Community Involvement
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