Motlow Hosts Adult Learner Information Nights

By Paige Hendrickson

Motlow Buzz Contributing Writer

         SMYRNA - Most residents of Tennessee are now familiar with TN Promise for graduating high school seniors. Now it is time for those out of high school to have the opportunity for free education!

         In response to growing needs for a more educated workforce, Gov. Bill Haslam developed the “Drive to 55” program, which is designed to increase the percentage of Tennesseans with post-secondary (college) degrees or certificates to 55 percent by the year 2025. To more readily reach this goal, the TN Reconnect grant was created to “reconnect” adults without completed post-secondary education to institutions that can help them finish these degrees or certificates, and then return to the workforce for better prospects.

         Here are the Fall 2018 Eligibility Requirements:

         * A prospective student may not have previously earned an associate or baccalaureate degree.

         * He or she must have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year preceding the date of application for the grant.

         * He or she must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year and be deemed an Independent student.

         * The participant must be admitted to an eligible postsecondary institution and enrolled part time (six hours) in courses leading to completion of an eligible program of study.

         * A successful applicant must participate in a college success program through the TN Reconnect Community initiative as created by the TN Higher Education Commission.

         Motlow’s Director of Adult Initiatives Allison Barton is the primary point-of-contact for TN Reconnect questions (abarton@mscc.edu or 615-220-7826). Motlow is hosting “Adult Learner Information Nights” on select Tuesday nights on the following campuses to help address people’s questions and concerns about this program. Session times are

         Moore County/Tullahoma Campus - Nov. 14, 5 p.m. (Registration closed)

         McMinnville Campus - Nov. 21, 5 p.m.

         Smyrna Campus - Nov. 28, 5 p.m. (Registration closed)

         Smyrna Campus – Dec. 12, 5 p.m.

         According to Barton, these informational sessions are to help answer questions about applying to Motlow, enrolling in classes, and addressing the variety of services offered.

        

          She noted, “We have representatives [there] from Financial Aid, Recruitment, Veteran’s Affairs, Adult College Express (ACE), Weekend Warrior (only Smyrna campus), and the Reconnect Communities,” which will assist people who would like to “submit their Admissions applications and FAFSA.”

         Visit the following link for registration to these events: https://motlowstate.wufoo.com/forms/z5lk20m083awol/.