tnAchieves Students on Their Way to an On-Time Degree
July 11, 2026

Students across the state have completed another successful year of the tnAchieves Summer Bridge Program. This summer, 90 percent of participating students successfully increased their test scores, lessening the number of remedial courses required and increasing their likelihood of earning an on-time college credential.

Beyond academic achievement, the program also helped students increase confidence in their ability to succeed. In post-program surveys, 89 percent of participants reported feeling more prepared for college after completing the Summer Bridge Program.

A student at Chattanooga State Community College had this to say about her experience, “Participating in the Summer Bridge Program is a great way to get a head start on college. It gives you an opportunity to meet new people, adjust to college professors and ask questions you may not have been able to ask about what to do and how things work on a college campus.”

Funded by Governor Lee with support from the Tennessee General Assembly and private philanthropy, the Summer Bridge Program is designed to support students as they make the transition from high school to college. Students participating in the program receive additional academic instruction, personalized support and opportunities to develop the skills necessary for postsecondary success. By strengthening foundational knowledge while fostering a sense of belonging and self-confidence, the program helps students enter their first semester ready to meet the challenges of college.

Since tnAchieves began operating the program in 2012, 6,760 students have participated with an overall 88 percent success rate. Even more important, Summer Bridge Program participants are much more likely to earn a college credential.

"Preparing students for college means ensuring they have the tools and support to start strong from day one," said tnAchieves President & CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. "For many first-generation and economically disadvantaged students, even small barriers can delay enrollment or prevent them from attending college altogether. The Summer Bridge Program helps remove those barriers before the semester begins, strengthening students' academic readiness and confidence as they transition to college. When more students start on time, more students finish, strengthening Tennessee's workforce and creating lasting economic prosperity for students, families, and communities."

The 2026 Summer Bridge results reinforce tnAchieves' commitment to supporting students before classes even begin, helping remove barriers that can impact long-term success. As tnAchieves continues its mission of increasing higher education access and success across Tennessee, this program remains a key strategy for helping students build the knowledge, resilience and confidence needed to thrive in college and their future careers.

For more information about the tnAchieves Summer Bridge Program, visit www.tnAchieves.org.