Governor Bill Haslam spoke about Tennessee Reconnect, a Drive to 55 initiative for adults to attend a Tennessee college of applied technology free of tuition and fees, at Chattanooga State on Friday.
photo by Brent McDonald, NewsChannel 9
Governor Bill Haslam was at Chattanooga State Community College on Friday afternoon to highlight Tennessee Reconnect, a Drive to 55 initiative for adults to attend a Tennessee college of applied technology free of tuition and fees.
By 2025, 55 percent of the jobs available in Tennessee will require a post-secondary credential, and currently only 33 percent of Tennesseans qualify. The governor launched his Drive to 55 two years ago to increase the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary degree or certificate.
“Our TCAT’s have an 80 percent graduation rate and an 85 percent job placement rate," said Governor Haslam. "To reach our Drive to 55 goals, we know we have to reach adults in Tennessee without a credential and get them back into higher education. The state’s ability to attract and retain business is tied directly to the quality of our workforce, and across our 27 technical colleges, students are gaining the necessary skills to succeed and go on to higher paying jobs and better lives.”
Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship program that was part of Governor Haslam’s landmark Tennessee Promise legislation passed last year.
Adults are encouraged to sign up before May 15 for the Tennessee Reconnect program, and they can do so at www.TNReconnect.gov. Applicants will then be guided through the admission and financial aid process by their local TCAT.
Governor Haslam traveled across the state this week for Tennessee Reconnect.
Governor Bill Haslam spoke about Tennessee Reconnect, a Drive to 55 initiative for adults to attend a Tennessee college of applied technology free of tuition and fees, at Chattanooga State on Friday.
photo by Brent McDonald, NewsChannel 9