WHO?

Tennessee Scholars are high schools students from Greeneville City or Greene County school systems enrolled in the university, technical, or dual path who have completed the Tennessee Scholars Course of Study, a specific sequence of academic courses including math, science, language arts, and social studies.  Tennessee Scholars initiative is based on the data that proves that larger percentages of students who complete a more rigorous course of study in high school are more successful in college and the workforce.

WHAT?

The Tennessee Scholars initiative is a business led, rewards and incentives campaign that encourages students to take a more rigorous and challenging course of study in high school.  The Tennessee Scholars curriculum provides an education that better prepares students to enter a university, community college, technical or vocational school, the military or the workforce.  A partnership between school districts, local Chambers of Commerce and the business community, the Tennessee Scholars initiative is endorsed by the Tennessee Department of Education, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tennessee Business Roundtable, and many other education coalition around the state.

WHY?

Recognition - As Tennessee Scholars, students are recognized by teachers, parents and community leaders as students who accept challenges and set high goals for success.

Choices - After graduating as Tennessee Scholars, students are better prepared to enter the workforce or to attend a college, university of trade school.  They have more choices available to them.

Better Jobs - Employers prefer to hire individuals with strong academic backgrounds and sound decision-making and critical-thinking skills to fill good, well-paying jobs.

College - Tennessee Scholars are stronger candidates for certain types of financial aid and scholarships.  They are also better prepared for college and are less likely to need costly remedial classes in college.  Statistics show that Tennessee Scholar graduates score higher on both the ACT and SAT and have a greater chance of being accepted to the college or university of their choice.

Incentives - Businesses offer many incentives to scholars who stay on track during all four years of high school.  Seniors are honored at graduation with special graduation recognition.  Tennessee Scholars receive incentives at various stages of completion of the Scholars course of study.

Parents - Parents are crucial to the students' success in the Scholar initiative.  In the eighth grade, each student will prepare a state-recommended high school four-year plan with the help of his or her parents and counselors.  Parents should work with the counselor to help their children meet Tennessee Scholars course requirements.  Most importantly, a parent's encouragement and support are essential in helping a student succeed in this challenging academic program.

Community - The Tennessee Scholars initiative is a business-led partnership between businesses and the schools.  Business people provide leadership and incentives for students who stay on track and who graduate on time as Tennessee Scholars.
 

HOW?

You can become a Tennessee Scholar by choosing to complete the Tennessee Scholar curriculum at your high school. Applications are available from your high school guidance counselor.

WHAT COURSES SHOULD I TAKE?
The following courses are NOT just for the college bound student. They are important courses offered by all participating high schools and will prepare YOU to succeed.

SUBJECT AREA

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED CREDITS

English

Regular or above includes Applied/Technical Communications, but no credit for basic.

4

Mathematics

Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry and one (1) higher level math.

4

Science

Three (3) credits in suceeding progression which also meets the student's chosen path requirements (Biology I and two (2) other lab sciences).

3

Hist./Gov't./
Geog./Econ.

 Three (3) History (Government, Economics, etc.)

3

University
Path

Two (2) credits of same foreign language and four (4) credits in vocational related classes.

6

OR

Technical
Path

Four (4) credits of vocational classes in a related cluster and two (2) additional credits of vocational classes or two (2) credits of same foreign language.

6

Computer
Related Course

One (1) Business/Computer Course - Excluding Keyboarding

1

TOTAL

__________
21

2. School attendance must be 95% or greater each year or a cumulative of 95% or greater to be recognized as a Tennessee Scholar.

3.  Students must have successfully passed all Gateway exams.

4.  Students must perform at least 20 hours of community service in a volunteer capacity.

5. Any out-of-school suspension or alternative school placement will result in removal from program recognition. Students may appeal for readmission to the Assessment Committee at the beginning of the next school year.  

All appeals must be made to the Assessment Committee.

TENNESSEE SCHOLARS

Tennessee Scholars are better trained and ready to enter the work force. They are capable of securing good jobs that pay well instead of settling for minimum wages or unstable employment.

Tennessee Scholars are recognized by local employers as having a high quality education.

Tennessee Scholars are prepared for higher education or technical training.

Being a Tennessee Scholar
MEANS BEING READY TO SUCCEED.