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THREAD: There will be a lot of talk today about free college programs.
As someone that had the *immense* privilege of being part of the launch of @TNPromise, here's a primer on what we did (and didn't do) when we launched our program here in TN….1/
As someone that had the *immense* privilege of being part of the launch of @TNPromise, here's a primer on what we did (and didn't do) when we launched our program here in TN….1/
First off, @TNPromise emerged from local efforts. Multiple programs in Kingsport, Gallatin, and most of all, @TNAchieves, had taken a last dollar approach. And it was working.
The lesson: let's learn from what has already worked. I hope the federal plan does this. 2/
The lesson: let's learn from what has already worked. I hope the federal plan does this. 2/
To the " low income students go to college for free anyway" folks. I would say:
Gov Haslam approached TN Promise with one goal in mind: change how students thought about their future. You don't get that with "Hey, do a FAFSA and then maybe you'll be full pell".
"Free" matters.
Gov Haslam approached TN Promise with one goal in mind: change how students thought about their future. You don't get that with "Hey, do a FAFSA and then maybe you'll be full pell".
"Free" matters.
The least understood part of TN Promise that drives me, and many others, crazy: it isn't just financial aid.
There is community service. There are mentors. And thanks to Niswonger, Ayers, and TN Achieves, we have advisors.
I *really* hope the federal approach does this. 4/
There is community service. There are mentors. And thanks to Niswonger, Ayers, and TN Achieves, we have advisors.
I *really* hope the federal approach does this. 4/
Another #freecollege point that gets missed:
TN Promise was portable to four year schools w associate degrees.
HBCUs and regional universities *are access institutions*. It would be great if we could find a way to ensure there is a pathway to these campuses. 5/
TN Promise was portable to four year schools w associate degrees.
HBCUs and regional universities *are access institutions*. It would be great if we could find a way to ensure there is a pathway to these campuses. 5/
"How did you pay for @TNPromise?"
Well, this is Tennessee. We pay it as we go.
The Governor and the legislature set up an endowment from lottery funds that is probably 2-4 years away from funding TN Promise in perpetuity. 6/
Well, this is Tennessee. We pay it as we go.
The Governor and the legislature set up an endowment from lottery funds that is probably 2-4 years away from funding TN Promise in perpetuity. 6/
So, as the #freecollege conversation gets much bigger tonight, all I can say is it made our state better.
- College going rate increased from 57-62%
- 8,000 more low income students enrolled in college
Gov Haslam's goal was met: we really did change the college conversation. 7/
- College going rate increased from 57-62%
- 8,000 more low income students enrolled in college
Gov Haslam's goal was met: we really did change the college conversation. 7/
To be sure, it's a work in progress. Public policy always is.
But I am proud our Gov/legislature had the courage to try something new, and I hope the federal #freecollege discussion will take a look at state solutions that have worked and build on them, rather than start anew.
But I am proud our Gov/legislature had the courage to try something new, and I hope the federal #freecollege discussion will take a look at state solutions that have worked and build on them, rather than start anew.
