First reports show impacts already from the Ayers Institute’s early involvement with Clay County High School students.
The Ayers Institute helps students in distressed or lower income communities get exposure to careers and colleges as they get ready to graduate high school. High School Principal Dr. Gary Tinsley said the Ayers counselors have been very active in helping the seniors.
“That’s the one thing they’re doing, is helping [seniors] plan how to get out of high school into whatever it may be,” Tinsley said. “A trade, a four-year school, whatever the case may be. So they’re supporting them with filling out applications of all different types, getting financial aid, and identifying what pathway they want to go.”
Tinsley said before the Ayers Institute arrived, other faculty members would try to take on these duties in addition to their other jobs. Tinsley said Ayers is not just doing the work now, but they will be in touch with each student until they reach employment.
Tinsley said students who choose to continue their education will also continue to hear from their advisor, as the Ayers Institute also hopes to see those students find jobs in the future.
Tinsley said the Ayers Institute will focus on college applications and visits throughout the month of September. In the meantime, Tinsley said the seniors will all have the opportunity to attend a college fair later this month.
“This time of year, most schools are beginning the process of trying to seniors filling out for Tennessee Promise, and get their Federal Student Aid IDs,” Tinsley said. “Those are due November 1st. Already, the Ayers Institute has helped 71 of our 73 students complete that process.”
Tinsley said the other students have had special situations where they were not in school, so he is unsure if they have completed those forms.
Director of Schools Diana Monroe said the school system is very blessed to have the Ayers Institute help the students.
“They are up on it with acquainting our kids with everything,” Monroe said. “They’re promoting military, jobs, college, work, just anything. They’re promoting a career after high school.”
Monroe said she thinks the follow through is a wonderful part of the Ayers program. Tinsley said he will continue to update the school board on the Ayers Institute’s progress as the year continues.
