(The Center Square) – The Volunteer State joined a multistate initiative to boost career opportunities, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission said.
Twelve other states are part of the effort to revise or adopt goals that help people obtain formal education or training to further their careers.
It’s part of the Lumina Foundation’s State Attainment Collaborative, an independent, private foundation that works to make learning beyond high school more accessible.
Tennessee will collaborate with leaders in the education, business, civic, nonprofit, and political sectors to define what makes credentials valuable, update statewide education attainment goals, and develop policies and programs tailored to meet students’ needs, according to a news release from the commission.
“Setting clear goals for increasing degrees and workforce credentials demonstrates Tennessee’s commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening its economy,” said Michelle Asha Cooper, Lumina’s Vice President for Public Policy. “Through formal collaboration, we can help refine goals, share lessons, and ensure they center on value for individuals, communities, and employers.”
The other participating states are Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.
The share of working-age adults with college degrees or short-term credentials rose from 39% to 55% since Lumina initiated the first national post-high school attainment goal in 2008, according to the commission.
“Tennessee has long recognized that education is the foundation of economic growth and individual opportunity,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. “By joining Lumina’s collaborative, we are reaffirming our commitment to ensuring every Tennessean has access to valuable learning and training that lead to great careers and stronger communities.”
Founded in 1967, the commission develops policies and programs for postsecondary education to increase the number of Tennessee residents with degrees beyond high school.
In July, the commission announced the TN Direct Admissions pilot program that automatically accepts eligible high school seniors into in-state public and private universities and technical colleges.
The commission is also responsible for developing the statewide master plan for higher education in Tennessee, which includes the goal of making Tennessee the most affordable state in the South for higher education.
Last year, the commission received a $35 million, seven-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The GEAR UP grant, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, aims to promote college readiness and success for Tennessee students, particularly those from underserved or at-risk communities.
It will serve an estimated 9,000 students from 2024 to 2031.
The commission also oversees the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, which administers higher-education financial aid programs.
