At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast

From Policy to Practice with Senator Bo Watson On this episode of the At Scale podcast, tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy DeAlejandro and Senior Vice President Graham Thomas sit down with Senator Bo Watson, longtime representative of Hamilton County and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. Guided by his belief that his role is to “improve quality of life for all Tennesseans,” Senator Watson discusses his path to public service, his approach to the state budget, and his vision for Tennessee’s education and workforce future. *A Heart for Service * Senator Watson did not enter politics through a single moment or major issue. Instead, he credits his parents for instilling the belief that if you have the ability to serve your community, you should. When a House seat unexpectedly opened in 2004, he stepped forward, ran a grassroots campaign, and won. His career began not with political ambition but with a desire to contribute to the community that raised him. Balancing Local Needs with Statewide Priorities Representing Hamilton County while overseeing the state’s finances requires both a local and statewide perspective. Senator Watson notes that every county in Tennessee looks different, and effective policy must reflect that diversity. He consistently asks what best serves Tennesseans across all 95 counties. Although the state cannot fund every good idea, he believes the budget must ensure every community’s voice is heard and that the final product reflects Tennessee’s shared priorities. Data Matters, but So Do People With a background in biology and chemistry, Senator Watson approaches decisions through data. However, he acknowledges that behind every program are real people and communities. Ending a program that is no longer effective is rarely simple because lives and local economies are intertwined with long-standing initiatives. In Tennessee’s zero-sum budget, every dollar spent must be accounted for, making careful and thoughtful decisions essential. Looking Ahead: Caution and Stability As Governor Lee prepares his final budget, Senator Watson expects a careful, responsible approach. He hopes to leave resources available for the next administration, just as previous leaders did. With economic uncertainty and the end of major federal grants on the horizon, Tennessee must evaluate which programs should continue with state support and which may need to phase out, especially within education. Tennessee’s Role in Workforce Development Senator Watson views the state as a convener rather than the sole problem-solver. Workforce challenges cannot be solved by government alone; they require strong relationships between the state, communities, colleges, and employers. With fewer workers entering the labor market and a growing need for specialized talent, particularly in healthcare, Tennessee must leverage technology and ensure students are prepared to use it effectively. More Pathways, More Opportunity One of Tennessee’s major accomplishments, according to Senator Watson, is the expansion of educational pathways. Today’s students can choose from TCATs, community colleges, four-year institutions, apprenticeships, and dual enrollment options. These opportunities help students explore their interests and pursue a credential of value, directly aligning with Tennessee Achieves’ mission. If you want to understand how state policy, education, and workforce needs intersect in Tennessee, this conversation offers a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes perspective from someone who has spent nearly twenty years shaping that work. Listen to the full episode of At Scale featuring Senator Bo Watson wherever you get your podcasts. (https://tnachieves.org/news/watson)

The TN Promise scholarship offers every high school senior in the state of Tennessee the chance to go to community college or technical school tuition and mandatory fee free. As a partnering organization to the TN Promise scholarship, tnAchieves could not do the work we do without the partnership and support of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR). TBR is a unified system that oversees every community college and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in the state. In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with TBR’s Chancellor, Dr. Flora Tydings. She explains how TN Promise changed the higher education system in Tennessee as well as the conversations students and their families are having about going to college. She also casts TBR’s vision to create a workforce with the knowledge and skills to be competitive in the world economy. It directly aligns with our efforts to Build Tennessee’s Future Workforce. Stop us if you’ve heard us say it before, but we can’t do this work alone! Tune in to hear how TBR is creating a bridge between students, higher education, the community and businesses across the state. She also explains what TBR is focusing on for the future.

At tnAchieves, we believe that Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce begins with ensuring that every community—especially our rural ones—as a seat at the table. That means making a commitment to making sure students are skilled, educated and prepared to meet the needs of businesses once they graduate and enter the workforce. It also means fostering partnerships with organizations that are on the ground in these rural communities and doing the work. In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with the CEO of Obion County’s Joint Economic Development Corporation (JEDC), Lindsay Theobald, and UT Martin’s Chancellor, Dr. Yancy Freeman. These two longtime friends of tnAchieves are entrenched in rural counties in West Tennessee and making sure opportunity grows there for both students and the economy. They talk about their deep love for living and working in rural West Tennessee and ensuring this part of our state is thriving. Tune in to hear how getting students into the college going pipeline leads to degrees and then gainful careers in rural West Tennessee. They share how this work and these partnerships are making generational changes in their communities. They also share what employers are telling them they need in future employees. To learn more about the Rural Impact Celebration and the impact of tnAchieves in rural communities that are mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.tnachieves.org/rural. You’ll be able to watch the celebration hosted at TCAT Upper Cumberland! To learn more about tnAchieves Job Shadowing, click here: https://www.tnachieves.org/job-shadowing. tnAchieves will be hosting a series of job shadow days for students the week this podcast becomes live (November 3). We’d love to have your business join our list of hosts in the future!

Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce means having strong relationships with the chambers of commerce across the state. We often sit down with their leaders who wake up each day thinking about the best ways to drive a thriving economy, hire a diverse and talented workforce and attract the best businesses to their area. Those are also things we think about as we help students into and through college and on their way to a thriving career. We also think about how to best equip students in rural areas versus urban ones and in East Tennessee versus West Tennessee (and everywhere in between). Because one of the best things about Tennessee are the unique grand divisions that are each significant in their own way, while also joining together to make our state great. In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with Greater Memphis Chamber President & CEO, Ted Townsend. As you’ll hear, Ted is a nearly lifelong Memphian and works around the clock to build and collaborate to make a ‘greater’ Memphis. He shares what makes the Greater Memphis Chamber different from all the other chambers of commerce across Tennessee (and the nation), including winning a natty (aka winning 2025 Chamber of the Year by ACCE)! Tune in to hear how they are partnering with local school systems to make students are ready for the workforce and the jobs of tomorrow, and how organizations like tnAchieves can help ensure a thriving Memphis.

At tnAchieves, we like to put a big tent around the word college. College is not just four-year universities. It also includes community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs). While many may think of TCATs as being separate, they DO belong under the college umbrella; the word college is right there in the name! Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce means we believe EVERYONE belongs in college, and there’s a place for each student to get a high-quality credential after high school before entering the workforce. In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with TCAT McMinnville President Melody Edmonds and TCAT Upper Cumberland President Cliff Wightman. They talk about their journeys to leading a TCAT and the privilege of training Tennessee’s workforce. They’re also sharing the advantages of enrolling at a TCAT and also clearing up some misconceptions about the future careers available to their students; it’s not just for welding! Tune in to hear how our TCATs are ensuring students are skilled and ready as they enter the workforce, and the impact these students and institutions are having directly on their communities. They also share why TCATs are so helpful in attracting new businesses to open in our state. It’s all part of Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce, impacting students and their families and helping our state’s economy thrive. To learn more about the Rural Impact Celebration and the impact of tnAchieves in rural communities in this episode, click here: https://www.tnachieves.org/rural.

Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce isn’t something that tnAchieves does alone. It takes support and partnership from a variety of partners. That includes our state’s government. tnAchieves expanded to be a statewide organization during former Tennessee Governor (and current tnAchieves Board member) Bill Haslam’s time in office. His support and enthusiasm were crucial in the creation and implementation of the TN Promise scholarship. Today, that support still comes from current Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s office as well as the General Assembly. It takes Governor Lee’s vision for our state’s economic future and the creation of policy to aid in our critical work at tnAchieves. In this episode of the At Scale podcast, we sit down with Governor Lee’s Policy Director Michael Hendrix. He talks about the governor’s priorities while in office, which include a strong workforce, economic development and quality education. Those priorities are things tnAchieves strongly aligns with. Michael Hendrix explains why these were chosen to be focused on and how tnAchieves is uniquely suited to help push our state forward in these areas. Tune in to hear a conversation about how Governor Lee’s office is working to ensure students are career-ready before they enter the workforce. Hendrix also shares insight into Governor Lee’s final budget and his lasting legacy as he embarks on his final months in office. You’ll also get a sneak peek behind the curtain to understand how policy is created in our state!

Ever wondered how tnAchieves began? We started in 2008 as knoxAchieves. It began as a conversation…and an idea on a whiteboard. That brainstorming idea grew into a workforce development initiative in Knox County. From there it continued to grow and scale (hence our podcast name) before becoming the statewide and nationally recognized organization it is today. tnAchieves would have never gotten off the ground in Knox County without our Board Chairman and UT System President Randy Boyd. We would not have expanded to other counties as a college access and success program. We never would never have grown into a statewide partner of the TN Promise scholarship. And we certainly wouldn’t be a main driver in Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce today. In this episode of the At Scale Podcast, we take a trip down memory lane with Randy Boyd. It’s a reminder of how we began, the lessons we’ve learned along the way and where we’re headed. While we began as a chat on a back porch, we certainly haven’t stayed that way. He shares why support grew for this idea and what may have set it apart. Trust us, this hasn’t been an overnight success. It’s been a lot of hard work with a lot of support. But we believe it was necessary to every student realizes they belong in college and there’s a way to make that a reality. We also believe it’s crucial for our state’s economy to continue to thrive. Tune in to hear a conversation about our origin story and how Randy continues to challenge us to think bigger and better for every student in the state of Tennessee.

In 2008, tnAchieves was launched as knoxAchieves. It began as a workforce development initiative in Knox County. Since then, tnAchieves has grown to become a nationally recognized college access and success program. One of the main components we’re known for is the launch and partnership of the TN Promise scholarship statewide. Along the way, we’ve learned lots of lessons about what works and what doesn’t. Those aren’t lessons we keep to ourselves. While tnAchieves is focused first and foremost on, you guessed it, Tennessee, that doesn’t mean our knowledge is bound by our state border. We believe that ALL students deserve a supported pathway to a meaningful career. We’re committed to expanding access to high-quality post-secondary credentials of impact for every student. That’s why we’re proud share the knowledge we’ve learned along the way for other states and communities who are looking to do the same. We’re all in this together. In this episode of the At Scale Podcast, we’re joined by Stacey Oliver and Geronimo Rodriguez from the Austin 2030 Network. Austin 2030 describes itself as a network of school, higher education, non-profit, business, civic and community leaders who are committed to improving education outcomes for children and youth in Austin, Texas. Their current focus: establish a pathway to an Austin Promise. Stacey and Geronimo talk about why they are building a better future for students in Austin, and why it will take a community-wide effort to see their goal come to fruition. As they work toward change, they invited tnAchieves to share our perspective and experience. Tune in to hear the conversations about the lasting change they’re working toward in Austin, Texas, and the partners who are coming to the table to make this Promise a reality.

If you’re talking about the higher education landscape in the state of Tennessee, you can’t do it without talking about THEC/TSAC. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC) is the layer between higher education and the state government that thinks through the needs of higher education and the policies needed to support it. THEC serves as that central hub to make sure every student in Tennessee is able to pursue a high-quality education and high-value credentials. In this episode of the At Scale Podcast, THEC’s Executive Director, Dr. Steven Gentile talks about how THEC works to reduce the barriers to higher education. That means mobilizing higher education partners, like tnAchieves, to help students file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It also means creating a master plan to see where we need to go in the next 5-10 years. All the work is done with the goal of clearing pathways so students have better access to higher education, which provides more economic mobility. tnAchieves and THEC share a commitment to Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce. In July 2025, THEC, the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) and The Lumina Foundation announced a partnership to redesign the college admissions process. As part of the Direct Admissions pilot, seniors in the Class of 2026 will receive a letter showing which colleges, universities and TCATs have already accepted them without submitting an application. In Tennessee, it will connect automatic college admissions for students with an estimated financial aid package. The goal is to help students see where they’ve already been accepted to college and how they can afford to enroll. Hear Dr. Gentile’s thoughts on how this will revolutionize college admissions process in our state. (If you missed it, go back and listen to our podcast episode with Lumina’s Melanie Heath on their role in this groundbreaking effort!) Tune in to get a better understanding of this new direct admissions process as well as how THEC continues to align higher education with workforce needs in our state. If that doesn’t peak your interest, there may also be a reference or two to leaping unicorns and magic wands…

The Lumina Foundation is a private philanthropy foundation that is devoted to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to everyone. One of the things it’s best known for is setting a goal for the nation around post-secondary attainment. That includes Tennessee’s Drive to 55 goal which aims to increase the percentage of working age Tennesseans with a college degree or certificate to 55 percent by 2025. The Drive to 55 served as a launching point for the Tennessee Promise. In this episode of the At Scale Podcast, Lumina’s Strategy Director for Access Melanie Heath talks about the next big goal Lumina is setting for 2040 and the direction it’s taking to Empower America’s Workforce Through Education and Training. It aligns directly with the tnAchieves vision to taking a human approach to Building Tennessee’s Future Workforce. One key is ensuring students are graduating with credentials of impact/value before entering the workforce. Research shows 84.7% of tnAchieves graduates are living and working in Tennessee after they graduate. These credentials will lead to a more skilled and more prepared workforce, which in turn leads to a more thriving state. Furthermore, on July 23, 2025, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) announced a partnership with Lumina to redesign of the college admissions process. As part of this pilot, seniors in the Class of 2026 will receive a letter showing which colleges, universities and TCATs have already accepted them without submitting an application. This innovative concept is called Direct Admissions. In Tennessee, it will connect automatic college admissions for students with an estimated financial aid package. The goal is to help students see where they’ve already been accepted to college and how they can afford to enroll. Tune in to get a better understanding of this process, and how the state of Tennessee continues to lead the way in putting students first by eliminating barriers to post-secondary education.

In May, SoFi and tnAchieves launched a partnership alongside Tennessee native Kelsea Ballerini called The Rising Stars Program. The goal is to equip the next generation of Tennessee students with the tools to achieve financial independence. As part of the partnership, SoFi is equipping all tnAchieves students with a financial planning curriculum to cover topics like budgeting, investing and saving for future life milestones. In this episode of At Scale, the tnAchieves Podcast, we’re joined by SoFi’s head of advice and planning Brian Walsh—aka Dr. Money. The SoFi Philosophy is to attack debt with a plan, always have a safety net, put your money to work and save for retirement (and other goals). With that philosophy in mind, Walsh explains the importance of students having access to a financial education while getting their post-secondary education and why it’s key to start healthy habits for your money now. Research shows 84.7% of tnAchieves graduates are living and working in Tennessee after they graduate. Together we explore the importance of these graduates having financial literacy as they enter Tennessee’s workforce. Dr. Money also shares the one thing students can do RIGHT NOW to start planning financially for their future. Tune in to discover how financial literacy for students will lead to a thriving economy in our state—and maybe learn a tip or two about planning and investing financially in your own future. Learn more about the SoFi partnership here: https://www.tnachieves.org/news/sofi.

Donna Linderman is the Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Success for the State University of New York. In her current role and previous role at the City University of New York , Donna has been instrumental in revolutionizing student-focused support. As you listen, you may hear a few acronyms you'll want to be familiar with: • SUNY – State University of New York • CUNY – City University of New York • ASAP – Accelerated Study in Associate Programs • ACE – Accelerate, Complete, Engage ASAP|ACE are student success programs for postsecondary students that provide participation with personal, academic and financial supports. ASAP is focused on community college students while ACE is designed to promote on-time bachelor’s degree completion at four-year institutions. In this episode, we discuss the crucial need for holistic supports on a college campus that are designed to meet the most vulnerable students’ needs in an effort to increase degree retention and, ultimately, completion. We also talk about the importance of piloting programs based directly on student needs and how to scale them statewide to move the needle for all students. If you want better insight into what exactly the name ‘At Scale’ means, this conversation gets right to the heart of it. Learn more about ASAP|ACE: https://www.suny.edu/asap-ace/history/ tnAchieves: https://www.tnachieves.org/

Nathalie Gazzaneo serves as the Co-Director of The Project on Workforce at Harvard University. This innovative project is researching and providing guidance on closing the college to career gap and ensure future workforce needs are met. In this episode, we dig into the research The Project on Workforce is focused on like the Workforce Almanac. We also talk pragmatically about today’s workforce needs and how certain organizations and businesses are thriving in our current climate. We wrap up with advice from Nathalie on how non-profits like tnAchieves can best serve students who are navigating the journey from K12 through college to career. We are humbled to have such a visionary leader on our podcast and thankful for Harvard University for its leadership and research in the work. We are feeling even more motivated and equipped to Build Tennessee’s Future Workforce. • Learn more about the Project on Workforce: https://www.pw.hks.harvard.edu/ • The Workforce Almanac: https://workforcealmanac.com/ • tnAchieves: https://tnachieves.org

In this episode of At Scale, the tnAchieves Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Streiffer, Director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), one of the nation’s most advanced research institutions and a major economic engine for the Southeastern United States. As ORNL continues to lead groundbreaking work in fields like energy, national security, and especially artificial intelligence (AI), Dr. Streiffer offers a compelling look into how innovation at the lab is shaping not only the future of science, but also the future of Tennessee’s workforce. Together, we explore what it takes to pursue a career at ORNL—from the educational pathways and skills in demand to the mindset needed to thrive in a fast-evolving scientific environment. Dr. Streiffer shares practical advice for students and professionals alike, discusses the role of AI in transforming industries, and highlights how ORNL is preparing for a workforce landscape that is changing at unprecedented speed. Whether you’re a student dreaming of a career in science and technology, an educator shaping tomorrow’s talent, or a policymaker thinking about workforce development at scale, this episode delivers invaluable insights from one of Tennessee’s most influential scientific leaders. Tune in and discover how ORNL is driving progress—and how you can be part of it.

In this episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, hosts Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling sit down with Dr. Martha Kanter, CEO Emerita of College Promise and former U.S. Under Secretary of Education, along with Rosye Cloud, Interim CEO of College Promise. Together, they explore the mission and nationwide impact of the College Promise movement—expanding access to high-quality post-secondary opportunities for students of all backgrounds. The conversation highlights the urgent need to strengthen America’s talent pipeline and the role College Promise plays in building a more equipped and prepared workforce. From policy to practice, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to ensure every student has a path to success—at scale. Learn more about College Promise at https://www.collegepromise.org/.

In the second episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, SCORE President & CEO David Mansouri joins the conversation to discuss the evolving landscape of education and workforce development in Tennessee. The episode centers around SCORE’s strategic priorities, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration and the role of meaningful data analysis in driving outcomes. Mansouri highlights how building strong, intentional connections between education and employment is vital to ensuring Tennessee students are prepared for the demands of the modern economy. The conversation explores how partnerships between education leaders, nonprofit organizations, policymakers, and employers are critical to achieving statewide progress. About SCORE The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on improving academic outcomes for all Tennessee students. SCORE works to advance student achievement through smart policy, support for innovation, and by fostering collaboration among educators, business leaders, and policymakers. The organization is committed to ensuring students graduate ready for college, career, and life. Learn more about SCORE at https://tnscore.org/. About tnAchieves tnAchieves is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building Tennessee’s future workforce by ensuring more students have the opportunity and support to pursue post-secondary education and training. Serving 74 counties across the state, tnAchieves provides workforce-focused programming—from TN Promise scholarships and volunteer mentoring to college and career coaching and skills training. Every tnAchieves initiative is designed with a clear purpose: to prepare students to enter the workforce confident, capable, and ready to contribute to Tennessee’s economic growth.

In the first episode of At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, hosts Krissy DeAlejandro and Ben Sterling welcome two visionary leaders in education: Dr. Jon Rysewyk, Superintendent of Knox County Schools, and Dr. Anthony Wise, President of Pellissippi State Community College. The discussion ranges from Knox County Schools' new 865 Academies to how Pellissippi State Community College has innovated to meet the ever-changing needs of students. Alongside Knox County leaders, Dr. Rysewyk, Dr. Wise and tnAchieves helped form ADVANCE865 - a community aligned effort to increase the number of Knox County high school seniors pursuing high-quality post-secondary pathways. Learn more at ADVANCE865.org (http://ADVANCE865.org)! From innovative partnerships to student-centered strategies, Dr. Rysewyk and Dr. Wise share how their institutions are collaborating to break down barriers, empower students and build a stronger, more equitable future. Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with insights, real-world solutions, and a shared passion for educational opportunity.

*Welcome to At Scale: The tnAchieves Podcast, where we explore the bold, complex, and transformative work of tnAchieves—a Tennessee-based organization dedicated to breaking barriers and building opportunities for students pursuing college credentials. *Hosted by Krissy DeAlejandro, President & CEO of tnAchieves, this podcast dives into the challenges, solutions, and innovations driving student success and shaping Tennessee’s future workforce. Since 2008, tnAchieves has been reimagining what’s possible for students often seen as underdogs—arming them with the tools, support, and pathways to achieve economic mobility through higher education. Join us as we sit down with state and national thought leaders, business and industry partners, K-12 and college representatives, and the visionaries on the front lines of education. From tackling post-secondary access to preparing graduates for meaningful careers, we’ll uncover what’s working, what’s next, and how tnAchieves is scaling impact across communities. Our first episode featuring Knox County Schools Superintended Dr. Jon Rysewyk and Pellissippi State Community College President Dr. Anthony Wise will be available next Monday, April 14 on all podcast platforms. *Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen—because when students succeed, Tennessee thrives. Let’s dig in! *

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the tnAchieves podcast! Join our hosts, Senior Director of Mentors Tyler Ford and Outreach Manager Baylor Williamson, as they delve into the critical role volunteer mentors play during the summer months in preparing students for their upcoming college journey in the fall. In this episode, Tyler and Baylor share practical tips, effective strategies, and real-life success stories to help mentors maximize their impact. Learn how to guide students through the maze of college readiness, from completing necessary paperwork to developing essential life skills. Discover ways to foster resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset in your mentees, ensuring they start their college experience on the right foot. Whether you're a seasoned mentor or new to the tnAchieves family, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you make the most of the summer months. Tune in and get ready to inspire, motivate, and support the next generation of college students! 🎓✨ Ready to make a difference? Listen now and learn how you can be the mentor that helps students thrive!

tnAchieves Sr. Director of Mentors Tyler Ford is joined by tnAchieves Director of COMPLETE Emily Jones to discuss the upcoming July 1 community service deadline. Learn how you can support your students as they complete this important TN Promise requirement!