Upper Cumberland high school seniors face a Monday deadline to complete the Tennessee Promise application.
Ayres Foundation Regional Support Specialist Vanessa Farris works with college access counselors across six Upper Cumberland-area school systems. Farris said students who wait until after the deadline will limit their future options
“If you don’t apply by the deadline, there isn’t a lot we can do unless there’s a very special circumstance,” Farris said. “It’s hard for us to get approval to make an exception to the deadline. So that door can be closed to tuition-free community college.”
Farris remembers one student from the early years of Tennessee Promise who insisted he planned to work after high school. His parents eventually asked Farris to stop encouraging him to apply. Farris said the family later asked whether anything could be done, but the opportunity had passed.
“The next summer, you know, a month into summer, he didn’t love his job, he decided he wanted to go, and those parents had to pay for that out of pocket whenever it would have been free had he done an application and just a couple of little steps,” Farris said.
Tennessee Promise covers tuition and mandatory fees at eligible community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology. Farris said the benefit can amount to $5,000-$8,000 per year, regardless of family income. Books and some additional course fees can remain the student’s responsibility.
Students must complete additional requirements after applying, including the FAFSA and community service hours.
DeKalb County High School Counselor Lori Myrick said unexpected circumstances can force seniors to reconsider their plans after graduation.
“I’ve had students who have lost parents, you know, or parents have fallen ill or I’ve had students that are finding out they’re becoming parents, you know,” Myrick said. “And so, you know, their plan A may no longer work for them.”
Farris said the initial Tennessee Promise application takes about 10 minutes. Completing it does not require a student to ultimately use the scholarship.
“It’s no different than most of us have an insurance policy in case we have an accident or in case we have a health problem,” Farris said. “If you want to look at Tennessee Promise as an insurance program just in case you decide to go, that’s fine too.”
Farris said school counselors and college access professionals can help seniors who have not completed the application.
The Tennessee Promise application deadline is Monday, November 2.