Since the application process began Friday, more than 1,000 students have applied for the program, which is part of Gov. Bill Haslam’s initiative to improve the state’s graduation rates from the current 32 percent to 55 percent by 2025.
The Republican governor has been visiting several schools throughout the state and wrapped up his trip on Wednesday at Antioch High School in southeastern Davidson County.
Haslam told a packed auditorium of students that he doesn’t want affordability to be a reason why a person doesn’t attend college.
“We don’t want anyone to say, “I’d like to go to college, but can’t afford it,’” he said.
Called “Tennessee Promise,” the free tuition plan requires students to work with a mentor and complete eight hours of community service a year.
The program is a cornerstone of Haslam’s “Drive to 55” campaign to improve the state’s graduation rates from the current 32 percent to 55 percent by 2025 in order to help improve overall job qualifications and attract employers to the state.
After graduation, students who choose to attend a four-year school will be able to do so as juniors.
