The research project will bring together leaders from Tennessee’s community colleges to develop innovative strategies supporting degree completion for Tennesseans who have previously earned college credits but did not finish and cannot return due to account holds.
“This collaborative research initiative presents a significant opportunity to explore how we can better help adults leverage their past academic work, while gaining valuable insights into the barriers that prevent many from re-engaging and re-enrolling,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of THEC. “Together, we can build a stronger, more accessible educational system for Tennessee’s adult learners.”
The team will meet throughout spring and summer 2025 to identify and implement solutions that help adult learners return to college and complete their credentials. The project receives support from Lumina Foundation and The Kresge Foundation.
Tennessee is uniquely positioned to support adult learners in returning to college and completing their degrees. Programs like Tennessee Reconnect offer life-changing opportunities, providing tuition-free access to community and technical colleges for adults, regardless of their previous college credits.
“Every Tennessean deserves the opportunity to complete their educational goals,” said Dr. Flora W. Tydings, Chancellor of TBR. “This initiative builds on Tennessee’s strong foundation of supporting adult learners and will create new pathways for degree completion.”
This new collaboration extends Tennessee’s ongoing work to expand educational access and create more opportunities for workforce development.
The initiative joins successful similar programs in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These programs have demonstrated that targeted support and innovative solutions can help adult learners overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals.
For more data about THEC’s adult learner initiatives, visit tnreconnect.gov.
