Tennessee Reconnect Scholarship

Program Snapshot

• Purpose: Provide adults with a tuition-free pathway to earn associate degrees or technical certificates at Tennessee Board of Regents institutions.
• Funding model: Last-dollar aid that covers tuition and mandatory fees after Pell Grants, Tennessee Student Assistance Awards, and institutional scholarships are applied.
• Participating institutions: All 13 Tennessee community colleges, 27 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), and select public universities offering eligible applied science programs.
• Support infrastructure: Success coaches funded through TN Reconnect Communities and partnering nonprofits help applicants navigate paperwork, scheduling, and wraparound needs.
• Commitment: Students sign a Reconnect Grant agreement outlining advising requirements, continuous enrollment, and progress milestones.

Why Reconnect Matters in 2025

Tennessee’s workforce goals call for 60% of adults holding a postsecondary credential by 2025. With unemployment near historic lows, employers face shortages in advanced manufacturing, health sciences, logistics, and information technology. Tennessee Reconnect bridges that gap by removing tuition as a barrier for adults balancing work, family, and schooling. The 2025 legislative session increased recurring appropriations by $12 million, enabling colleges to expand allied health cohorts, evening welding sections, and hybrid IT bootcamps targeted to Reconnect students.

The program now integrates with the state’s Outcomes-Based Funding Formula. Colleges earn additional success points when Reconnect participants hit credit benchmarks or complete credentials, incentivizing institutions to provide tailored support. Many campuses launched accelerated 7-week course blocks and competency-based learning that fit adult schedules. Tennessee also partnered with employers through the Drive to 55 Alliance, allowing companies to embed Reconnect coaches on-site and offer paid time for coursework. As a result, first-year retention for Reconnect students climbed to 62%, up eight points from 2023.

Eligibility Deep Dive

1. Residency: Applicants must reside in Tennessee at least one year before the term’s start. Proof includes driver’s licenses, voter registration, tax returns, or utility bills. Military families stationed in Tennessee qualify with PCS orders.
2. Age and Prior Credential: Students must be 23 or older and lack any associate or bachelor’s degree. Individuals with certificates or industry certifications remain eligible. Those who previously earned a degree abroad may petition for case-by-case review.
3. Enrollment Intensity: Enroll at least part-time (6 credit hours) each fall and spring. TCAT programs require continuous enrollment based on clock hours. Summer attendance is optional but encouraged for momentum.
4. FAFSA & Verification: File the FAFSA annually and resolve verification requests quickly. Dependent adults (rare) must include parent information; most are considered independent.
5. Advising & Success Plan: Students must work with a Reconnect advisor to craft an academic plan, complete the Reconnect Success Plan survey, and meet with coaches at least twice per term.
6. Continuous Enrollment: A stop-out longer than one semester requires an approved appeal. Medical, military, or caregiving leaves are typically granted if documented.

Application Roadmap

1. September–December: Explore programs via TNReconnect.gov. Attend Reconnect community events to meet success coaches and complete interest assessments.
2. October–March: Complete the FAFSA (school code for your college) and the online Reconnect application through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) Portal. Select the target institution.
3. January–April: Submit transcripts, placement test scores, and any prior learning documentation. Schedule advising to build a degree plan aligned with work schedules.
4. April–July: Finalize enrollment, complete orientation, and sign the Reconnect Grant agreement. Arrange childcare, transportation, or employer scheduling before classes start.
5. August & January: Confirm class attendance during the first two weeks to ensure disbursement. Meet with the success coach to review academic goals and support services.

Maximizing Your Scholarship

• Stack with Employer Tuition Aid: Many Tennessee employers provide $3,000–$5,250 annually in tuition benefits. Reconnect covers tuition after federal/state aid, so employer funds can offset books, tools, or lost wages.
• Claim the Reconnect Success Grant: Low-income students may qualify for up to $1,000 per term for living expenses through local philanthropic partners; ask your community Reconnect center.
• Use Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Submit military JST transcripts, industry certifications, or portfolio assessments to earn credit and accelerate completion while keeping Reconnect coverage.
• Plan 15-to-Finish When Possible: Although only part-time enrollment is required, taking 12–15 credits or accelerated terms shortens time-to-degree and reduces out-of-pocket costs.
• Coordinate with TCAT scheduling: TCAT programs run in clock hours; maintain 90% attendance to stay eligible. Leverage the TCAT Student Services offices for make-up sessions during shift changes.

Wraparound Supports for Adult Learners

• Success Coaches: Reconnect Communities in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and rural regions provide coaches who troubleshoot FAFSA issues, connect to childcare subsidies, and mediate with employers for flexible shifts.
• Technology & Broadband: Tennessee libraries and county extension offices offer laptop hotspots for Reconnect students. Some colleges provide loaner devices for hybrid courses.
• Childcare Solutions: Many campuses partner with YMCA and Boys & Girls Club for discounted childcare aligned with class times. The Department of Human Services’ Child Care Payment Assistance (Smart Steps) can stack with Reconnect.
• Transportation: Rural Reconnect participants can apply for gas vouchers through local workforce boards or utilize ride-share partnerships such as Lyft Education Access in Nashville.
• Emergency Aid: The Tennessee Emergency Broadband & Education Support (TEBES) fund offers micro-grants up to $1,000 for car repairs, medical bills, or housing crises that threaten enrollment.

Maintaining Eligibility

• GPA: Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and complete 67% of attempted credits. Students dropping below must meet with advisors and submit academic plans to regain eligibility.
• FAFSA Renewal: File FAFSA by March 1 each year. TSAC sends reminders, but set personal calendar alerts. Without a FAFSA on file, Reconnect funding pauses.
• Community Service (optional but recommended): Some colleges incentivize volunteer hours with book vouchers. Although not required, community engagement strengthens professional networks.
• Communication: Respond to TSAC and campus emails promptly. Missing verification or enrollment confirmation deadlines leads to forfeiture.

Strategies for Balancing Work, Family, and School

• Block Scheduling: Many community colleges offer 2-evenings-per-week schedules or weekend cohorts. Coordinate with supervisors to lock consistent shifts.
• Hybrid Learning: Take advantage of online general education courses while keeping lab or practicum classes in-person. Ensure reliable internet or use campus computer labs.
• Academic Resources: Utilize tutoring centers, math labs, writing labs, and Supplemental Instruction sessions. Virtual tutoring through Tutor.com is available 24/7 for Reconnect students.
• Mental Health Support: Campuses provide counseling services and resilience workshops tailored to adult learners managing stress and burnout.
• Peer Networks: Join adult learner associations or Reconnect student organizations to share tips on time management and resources.

Case Study: Health Sciences Student in Knoxville

Alyssa, 34, works as a medical assistant and supports two children. Through the Knoxville Reconnect Community, she met with a success coach who helped her file FAFSA, gather tax transcripts, and select Pellissippi State’s Nursing A.A.S. program. After Pell Grants and the Tennessee Student Assistance Award covered $3,800 in tuition, Reconnect covered the remaining $1,200. Alyssa’s employer offered flexible scheduling and paid for textbooks. She completed 27 PLA credits based on previous certifications, shortening her program to five semesters. When her minivan needed repairs, the college’s emergency fund provided $600, preventing a stop-out. Alyssa now participates in a paid hospital residency that transitions directly into a registered nurse position upon graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attend a four-year university with Reconnect? Primarily no, but certain public universities offering associate degree programs (e.g., UT Southern, Austin Peay’s Community and Technical Education programs) participate. Always verify with TSAC.

Does Reconnect cover textbooks or tools? The scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees only. Use Pell Grants, employer assistance, or Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds for books, uniforms, and equipment.

What if I move out of Tennessee? You must maintain residency. Temporary relocations for military deployment or employer assignments can be approved with documentation, but permanent moves end eligibility.

Can I take a semester off? You can request a leave of absence for medical, military, or extraordinary circumstances. Submit documentation to your college and TSAC before dropping classes to avoid repayment.

How does Reconnect interact with Tennessee Promise? Promise serves recent high school graduates, while Reconnect targets adults. Families where a parent and recent graduate enroll simultaneously can have each student use the respective program without conflict.

By combining last-dollar tuition coverage with coaching, prior learning credits, and employer partnerships, the Tennessee Reconnect Scholarship empowers adult learners to earn degrees that boost wages and fill critical workforce gaps across the Volunteer State.