Governor Bill Haslam on Tuesday held a ceremonial bill signing at Tutco, Inc. in Cookeville, Tn. for HB 2491/SB2471, the "Tennessee Promise."
The historic proposal, which was approved overwhelmingly by the General Assembly, commits to providing two years of community college or a college of applied technology absolutely free of tuition and fees to graduating high school seniors on a continuing basis.
"Through the Tennessee Promise, we are fighting the rising cost of higher education, and we are raising our expectations as a state," Governor Haslam said. "We are committed to making a clear statement to families that education beyond high school is a priority in the state of Tennessee.
"This is a bold promise," Governor Haslam continued. "It is a promise that speaks volumes to current and prospective employers, and it is a promise that will make a real difference for generations of Tennesseans."
Participating students must: graduate from high school; agree to work with a mentor; complete eight hours of community service; and maintain a 2.0 GPA during their two years at a community college or TCAT.
After graduating from a community college, if students choose to attend a four-year school, the state's Transfer Pathways program makes it possible for those students to start as a junior. By getting their first two years free, the cost of a four-year degree would be cut in half.
The Tennessee Promise is not funded through taxpayer dollars. Excess lottery reserve funds are being used to create an endowment to strategically redirect existing resources and to keep the program sustainable over time.
The Tennessee Promise is part of Governor Haslam's "Drive to 55" initiative aimed at increasing the number of Tennesseans with a certificate or degree beyond high school. In 11 years, 55 percent of Tennesseans will need a certificate or degree to get a job, but today, only 32 percent of Tennesseans qualify.
Click here to read full article at TN.gov.