TBR's SAILS program earns national recognition from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences

The Tennessee Seamless Alignment and Integrated Learning Support (SAILS) program at TBR – The College System of Tennessee has been recognized by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences as a Promising Practice. The recognition is part of the Academy's national initiative, "Thriving After High School: Community, School, Service, and Work."

The designation places SAILS among a select group of programs nationwide. These programs show innovative ways to help learners move from high school to college, careers, service and civic life.

Dr. Jothany Reed, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, said the honor validates the program's results.

"I am so proud that the American Academy of Arts & Sciences has recognized SAILS as a Promising Practice," said Reed. "This is a wonderful testament to the collaboration and hard work of everyone on this team. It is also an external affirmation of the impact they are making in students' lives."

The recognition follows a two-year study by the Academy's Commission. The study examined how to improve opportunity, economic mobility and postsecondary success for young people. Programs featured on the Academy's "In Practice" map were chosen for demonstrating real-world strategies that align with the Commission's national recommendations.

Key facts about the recognition:

• Just over 100 promising practices were highlighted nationally.
• Selected practices represent work in 49 states.
• Only a handful of initiatives in Tennessee were chosen.
• SAILS is now featured on the Academy's "In Practice" map as a model for others to learn from and replicate.

Juliette Biondi, executive director in the Office of Academic Affairs, leads SAILS. She credited the full team for the achievement.

"This is a great example of our program's innovation and how we continue to be trailblazers on the national stage," said Biondi. "It reflects the work and commitment of every member of this team. Their impact extends beyond the schools they serve and contributes to the broader national conversation about how we help students succeed."

As a featured practice, SAILS now serves as a model for educators, policymakers, employers, community organizations and other leaders across the country.

"This recognition places us among a select group of programs highlighted across the country," said Dr. Laura Mason, curriculum development director in the TBR Office of Academic Affairs. "It affirms that our work is contributing to important national conversations about the future of education and workforce development. Most importantly, it reflects the difference our team is making in creating opportunities for learners to thrive in school, work and life."