Support Tennessee's community and technical students this Holiday season
The Foundation for the College System of Tennessee has been an invaluable partner to TBR - The College System of Tennessee—by supporting our students, faculty, and staff across our community colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology beyond what state funding provides.
This past year, our Foundation surpassed $3 million in total assets and awarded over $1 million in scholarships since our inception—helping thousands of students overcome financial barriers to complete their degrees, diplomas and certificates. Yet, many still face challenges threatening their education, from the cost of books and tools to essential needs like food and transportation.
One recent scholarship recipient perfectly represents the perseverance and purpose that define our students. A licensed practical nurse since 2016, he has served in demanding healthcare environments, ranging from prisons and nursing homes to a summer camp for children with disabilities. While supervising the youngest campers at a camp for blind children, his quick instincts and professional care prevented what could have been a tragic accident.
He now drives over an hour each day to attend nursing school full-time, works weekends to support his wife and two young children, and continues to pursue his goal of providing compassionate care for others, including a family member battling serious illness. He shared that receiving this scholarship “not only brightens my future but lightens the financial burden my wife and I face while trying to pay tuition and provide for our babies.”
Stories like his demonstrate how your generosity can transform lives. We invite you to join us in making a difference by contributing a tax-deductible gift to the Chancellor’s Fund for Excellence. This fund enables our Foundation Board to expand scholarships and create additional opportunities for our students, faculty and staff.
As we enter this holiday season, we wish you joy and peace. Together, we can continue to build stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Tennessee.
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 23 colleges of applied technology, and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.