TNReconnect

Please join us in celebrating TN Reconnector Rachel on her graduation from Nashville State with an Associate Degree in Psychology!

While earning her degree online, Rachel also became a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist through the State of Tennessee, reflecting her passion for supporting others in her community.

Rachel has already applied to East Tennessee State University to continue pursuing her bachelor’s degree on her path to becoming a licensed counselor. Her dedication, resilience, and heart for service are truly inspiring.

Congratulations, Rachel! We’re so proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited to see what’s ahead for you.

Please join us in celebrating TN Reconnector Michael on his graduation from Dyersburg State Community College with a degree in Business, graduating magna cm laude!

Michael began his college journey while incarcerated and continued pursuing his education online after his release. His determination and hard work are a powerful reminder that education can create new opportunities and lasting change. Stories like Michael’s continue to inspire and encourage other justice-impacted individuals by showing that earning a degree after incarceration is possible.

Congratulations, Michael!

We were proud to host a successful Higher Education Fair focused on connecting justice-impacted individuals with educational opportunities, career resources, and community support. Thank you to the 19 partner agencies and vendors who participated and helped create meaningful pathways toward student success and reentry support.

A special thank you to the Tennessee Department of Correction DRC/CRC staff for their collaboration and continued commitment to supporting brighter futures through education. We are also grateful to our Reconnect alumni who attended to share their experiences, encourage others, and give back to the community through their support at the event.

We’re hiring! 📣

Navigate Reconnect is looking for a Middle TN Regional Navigator to support adult learners on their path to college enrollment and success across Tennessee.

Apply here:

Regional Navigator Navigate Reconnect supports adults in returning to college to complete a degree they started or enrolling for the first time, and then supports them through degree completion. The full-time Navigator provides navigation support and guidance to adults, from the decision to return to college, through....

Navigate Reconnect and Columbia State Community College recently partnered to host “Linking Hands, Lifting Communities: A Rural Resource Roundtable,” a collaborative Lunch & Learn focused on strengthening support networks in rural communities.

Service providers gathered to build meaningful relationships, share resources and insights, discuss challenges, and explore community-powered solutions that help support rural residents across the region.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the conversation.

Dreaming of college but worried about tuition? 🎓 TN Reconnect opens the door to tuition-free opportunities for adults returning to higher education. Your future starts here! More: TNReconnect.gov

Today we’re celebrating TN Reconnector Joshua on his graduation from Northeast State Community College with a certification in Entertainment Technology! 🎓

Already making a name for himself in the Northeast Tennessee music scene and currently performing on tour, Joshua continued pursuing his education while overcoming barriers along the way. His dedication and perseverance are an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to reach your goals.

Congratulations, Joshua!

This week, Navigate Reconnect hosted “Connecting Communities in Rural West,” a Lunch & Learn focused on collaboration, connection, and community impact.

Community partners came together for a roundtable spotlight session to share services, initiatives, and community needs while strengthening relationships across organizations serving rural communities.

A special thank you to Tennessee College of Applied Technology Crump for co-hosting and providing the space for this important conversation, and to all the partners who joined us to build stronger connections and support pathways for Tennesseans.

Reminder! 📣 Don’t forget to join us next Thursday for the Higher Education Fair for justice-impacted individuals!

Explore education, training, and career pathways, connect with colleges and community resources, and meet with a TN Reconnect Reentry Navigator.

🗓 Thursday, May 21
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 Johnson City, TN

It’s also not too late for community partners to sign up to host a table! If your organization is interested, please contact Johanna Miller at [email protected].

We hope to see you there!

Two Paths, One Goal. 🎓 While Your Student Plans Their College Future, Plan Yours Too! Explore Tennessee’s Adult Path to College With TN Reconnect. Start your journey today: TNReconnect.gov