Haslam hosts summit to discuss improving graduation rates
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam has convened higher education and workforce leaders to discuss his initiative to improve graduation rates in Tennessee.
Launched two years ago, the aim of “Drive to 55” is to increase the percentage of Tennesseans with a degree or certificate beyond high school from the current 32 percent to 55 percent by 2025 in order to help improve overall job qualifications and attract employers to the state.
On Monday, Haslam held a roundtable in Nashville to hear from those leaders, who were also given updates on programs the governor created to help reach his postsecondary goal.
One of those programs is Tennessee Promise, which offers eligible high school seniors the chance to go to a community or technical college without paying tuition.
Out of 58,000 applicants, 15,800 students have enrolled in the program.
