The Ayers Foundation Trust is pleased to announce that a record number of 16 high schools in the flagship Ayers Scholars Program have achieved the status of FAFSA Champion for the 2022-2023 academic year.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) award the designation of FAFSA Champion to schools whose Tennessee Promise FAFSA completion rate exceeds 90% or increased by 5% or more over the previous year.
Sixteen high schools involved with the Ayers Scholars Program earned the title of FAFSA Champion this year:
- Big Sandy School
- Camden Central High School
- Claiborne County High School
- Cumberland Gap High School
- Frank Hughes High School
- Hardin County High School
- Haywood County High School
- Lawrence County High School
- Lewis County High School
- Lexington High School
- Perry County High School
- Riverside High School
- Scotts Hill High School
- Unicoi County High School
- Union County High School
- Wayne County High School
To help students complete their FAFSA forms, Ayers counselors sought creative ways to connect with families. “Students and parents attend our school’s basketball games. We seized those opportunities and offered appointments before and during the games to help students complete the FAFSA,” said Dr. Angela Marshall, Director of Expansion and Development for the Ayers Scholars Program and former lead counselor at Scotts Hill High School.
Research shows that students who complete the FAFSA are far more likely to enroll in higher education or technical training after high school. Filing a FAFSA is the first step students must take to apply for most state and federal financial aid for college.
“The FAFSA Champion designations drive home the impact our scholars program has on the students we serve. Whether it’s establishing a study routine, preparing for a test, or completing the FAFSA, our counselors are focus-driven on helping students succeed. We are proud of the accomplishments of our Ayers Scholars,” said Dr. Burton Williams, Ayers Foundation Trust CEO.
Founded in 1999 in a single high school, the Ayers Scholars Program now serves students in 19 high schools and two community colleges across 12 rural Tennessee counties. By providing schools with full-time, trained advisors, counselors are able to give students the guidance and support they need, from 8th grade through college or another post-secondary path.
For more information about the many programs of the Ayers Foundation Trust, please visit AyersFoundation.org.
