A new independent study from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission shows the Advise TN program is increasing immediate post-secondary enrollment statewide, a trend already visible in its first year at Monterey High School.
Monterey High School Principal Bree Wheeler said the school implemented the initiative this year to provide students and families with a dedicated point of contact for post-secondary planning. The program helps guide first-generation students through the complex application processes for higher education and trade schools.
“I think just again we may have several families that this will be the first generation to possibly go to TCAT or possibly go to Tennessee Tech or Vol State and just giving them more education to open those doors to be able to come back to our community with degrees and more knowledge will just strengthen our community,” Wheeler said. “And also just be a role model for maybe younger siblings and cousins even that this can be done.”
Advise Tennessee College Advisor Elizabeth Black said the program currently places advisors in 15 high schools across the state to work with juniors and seniors. Advisors assist students with college applications, scholarships, and financial aid to ensure they do not miss deadlines.
“We are institution neutral, so we, we have them explore all of their options, so whether that’s trade school, technical school, military, we’re there to help them get to their goal,” Black said.
Wheeler said the advisor checks in with seniors at least four times a year to guide them through a checklist of required items. The school has also hosted tailgates and family nights to get juniors involved in thinking about their next steps.
“It’s instrumental in really breaking down barriers for students and really not and students not giving up on the process because there are so many steps and they feel overwhelmed,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler said the school’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rate has already jumped from 79 percent last year to about 92 percent this year. The rural community previously relied on a single high school guidance counselor before partnering with the state program.
“And they get to kind of walk across the stage and and sign their name to perhaps a school that they’re going to attend, a military that they’re going to attend, job corps that they’re going to go into, and just be recognized with their goals,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler said Monterey High School will host a post-secondary signing day celebration for students on May 1.
