The purpose of the Tennessee Scholars is to increase the percentage of students graduating from high school with a rigorous, defined academic course of study sufficient to prepare them for higher education, the workforce, or the military. This purpose is advanced by having local business leaders enter high school classrooms before students select classes and present the students with information on the importance of completing a rigorous, defined course of study. It is institutionalized by the collection and dissemination of data showing increases in the percentage of students completing the Scholars course of study, documenting the success of these students in their life beyond high school, and aligning incentives at the school, district, and state level that encourage students to choose to complete this course of study.
 

Course Requirements

• 4 credits in English

• 4 credits in math (algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry and one higher level course)

• 3 credits in science (biology 1 and two other lab sciences)

• 3 credits in social studies (chosen from U.S. and world history, geography, economics, and government)

• 1 credit in wellness

• 1 credit in fine arts

• 2 credits in the same foreign language

• 2 credits in technical courses in technical track (one full year credit must be computer/keyboarding credit)

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Additional expectations

• 20 hours of community service

• overall C average in all Tennessee Scholars courses

• 95 percent attendance

• no out-of-school suspensions

Tennessee Scholars Core Principles

• Works with existing statewide with  graduation paths for high school

• Represents an attainable "stretch goal" the majority of high school students can attain if they apply themselves

• Meets the expectations of evolving workplace, not just an entry level set of skills

• Instills civic-mindedness in high school students

• Develops a sense of of personal responsibility for attendance and behavior

Benefits of Program

• Better prepared for college, technical school, workforce

• Better test scores on ACT, SAT and Gateway

• Eligible for scholarships to Cleveland State and other schools in the area

• Preferential hiring with some local employers

Local Benefits

Cleveland State Community College

            There is an application process for this scholarship and is NOT guaranteed. You must fill out an application and submit by specified deadline. This scholarship is a $1500 scholarship for one year (does not include summer semester). Students may apply for renewal for a second year. Students who do not take advantage of the scholarship during the first fall semester after high school graduation will not be eligible for scholarship later.