Boyd Center analysis: tnAchieves students generate up to $45.9 billion in lifetime earnings
PRESS RELEASE FROM TNACHIEVES:
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Monday, tnAchieves is sharing new findings from the University of Tennessee’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research showing tnAchieves students who complete a post-secondary credential generate between $40.6 billion and $45.9 billion in total lifetime earnings.
The analysis highlights the powerful economic impact of tnAchieves’ work and the long-term value of helping more Tennesseans earn a credential and enter the workforce.
This report reinforces that tnAchieves is not only changing individual lives but also helping drive economic growth across Tennessee.
As students earn credentials, secure employment and build careers, those dollars are reinvested in local communities across the state through everyday spending, stronger households and a more skilled workforce.
“tnAchieves has long believed that when students earn a credential, the impact extends far beyond the individual,” said tnAchieves President & CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. “This analysis reinforces that student success strengthens families, communities and Tennessee’s economy. When students are able to move into meaningful careers, that creates long-term economic momentum for our state.”
To date, 57,767 students have earned a post-secondary credential with support from tnAchieves.
“The Boyd Center’s analysis reflects the impact of students who complete post-secondary credentials with tnAchieves support and highlights the value of helping Tennesseans move from high school to college and into meaningful careers, said Dr. Don Bruce, Boyd Distinguished Professor and Director of the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Tennessee. “tnAchieves is creating meaningful economic value for Tennessee by helping more students complete post-secondary credentials.”
Using data, like that provided by the Boyd Center as a guide, tnAchieves pilots, analyzes then scales programs that serve students both on an individual level as well as statewide. Since 2009, the organization has served in 91 of the state’s 95 counties.
Today, tnAchieves works with 432 high schools and 37 community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs) across the state to help students access college, persist and complete a credential.
After graduation, 84.7 percent of tnAchieves graduates then live and work in Tennessee, meaning the organization’s work is creating lasting returns for students, families, employers and Tennessee’s economy.
The full report, The Economic Impact of tnAchieves, is available here. tnAchieves is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been providing scholarships with mentor support since 2008.
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