Strong Local Interest In Reconnect Program

Interest in Tennessee’s Reconnect Program ranks higher in the Vol State service area than almost anywhere else in the state.

“We’re seeing evidence of that in terms of inquires we receive at our Cookeville and Livingston locations,” Vol State President Dr. Jerry Faulkner said. “In that 10-day period after the online application opened, we had the second highest number of students applying in the state.”

The application process for Tennessee Reconnect began February 15. State House Republicans released numbers last week showing more than 4,000 residents had enrolled in the first three weeks.

“Pretty much every adult in the state would be able to attend Vol State tuition-free as a result of this program,” Faulkner said.

The program gives adult the chance to attend college tuition-free. Governor Bill Haslam started the program to improve skills in a changing workforce. Faulkner said some 900,000 people statewide have begun a degree, but have not finished it.

“This is an opportunity for them to come back,” Faulkner said.

Adults must be an independent student without an associates degree or higher. Candidates must also have lived in Tennessee for one year, must not have defaulted on any previous student loans. Students can study part time with a minimum of six hours per semester.

Vol State has set up a website and hotline to help students who have questions. You can log on to VolState.Edu/Reconnect or call (615) 230-3447. Faulkner said his team wants to encourage students to apply by April 1.

Faulkner said Vol State set a goal of increasing its fall enrollment by 600 as a result of the program.

“As I’ve traveled around the region, I think that number may be too low,” Faulkner said.

The Vol State Community College area includes its Upper Cumberland locations in Putnam and Overton Counties.