The Ayers Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of Tennessee. We believe this is best accomplished by positively affecting the fields of Education, Conservation and Social Welfare.
We are proud to partner with the state of Tennessee as Tennessee Promise mentors that advocate for student success and encourage community service within the five counties we serve.
I want to thank each of you for all the support, help, and encouragement you give to all the students and parents. The love for the students shows through all you do! Our community is blessed beyond words for the Ayers Foundation!
“The Ayers Foundation is absolutely changing futures for students in Unicoi County. Their partnership has been a game changer for our entire community.”
“From the moment you walk in the door, the Ayers counselors treat you like family. They always have an answer for any problem, and if they aren’t sure, they know someone who can find out.”
Their staff keeps the faculty well informed so we can help students better, and the bottom line is this: If there is a penny out there, they will find it, and make sure the students have done their part to get it!
Today's episode of Live from the Laundry Room takes us to Cookeville to chat with our friend Dr. Rob at @tennesseetech!
https://t.co/gk4AnfH3NL
On today's episode of Live from the Laundry Room, we connect with our friend Jordan from @austinpeay! We chatted about how this semester is going and what future freshmen can expect next!
https://t.co/sfCr36E4mG
On today's episode of Live from the Laundry Room, we catch up with Mr. Adam Johnson from @UMLambuth about their #COVID19 response, how they're adapting to be online, and how to prep for next semester! (He was also outside, jealous!)
https://t.co/Xa6qycFX1R
Today on Live from the Laundry Room Episode 4, we chat with our friend @hnnhlyhw from @MTSU about how they are helping their students during #COVID, what we're during during social distancing, and some great advice that everyone could use during this time!
https://t.co/e51u7AEW3M
On Live from the Laundry Room: Episode 3, we check in with Jason Lyon from UTC about their response to #COVID and how they're helping current students and future freshmen. Click the link to watch!
https://t.co/hQ29HU4Qs7
We had a wonderful conversation with @cisholt from @columbiastate with updates about how they're helping students during #COVID. Check out the latest episode of Live from the Laundry Room now!
https://t.co/SjFiq5dkGu
Here's an update from @UTM_Parsons about how they're helping students respond to #COVID2019. Updates from more of our partners to come, so be sure to follow!
https://t.co/Gku6FXZvgq
STUDENTS: Due to the current state of emergency related to #COVID19, the @TNPromise April 1 community service requirement has been waived. @tnAchieves @ayersfsp
https://t.co/K2efOZ00lU
"Philanthropy can be the great convener that brings people to the same room to talk about needed policy changes". - Janet Ayers of @ayersfsp #ruralinnovation @AspenCSG
Brianna Morton, College Access Counselor, Riverside High School in rural Decaturville TN knows personally the value of having support in making the jump in to college and now provides that to kids in her school. #ruralinnovation
"We don't go into communities unless they want us there. We are a pretty heavy hand. So they have to want it." - Janet Ayers - @ayersfsp #ruralinnovation @AspenCSG
@DanPorterfield How do we win over the business sector to invest in educational excellence among rural students? Great question. @ayersfsp started by business people. They lead by example. #RuralInnovation @CommunitiesU @AspenCSG
Wow! @ayersfsp leader Janet Ayers just knocked it out of the park - the role of philanthropy is to seed and support, while working with government partners to scale. They are moving the needle on education in #rural america. #ruralinnovation
@ruralinnovators @AspenInstitute discuss college access and what college access and #ruralinnovation in education requires. They underscore the inherently human elements of development: mentors, coaches, advisors, first rate teachers, savvy administrators, trust.
"We start with 8th grade. We work to familiarize students with college life. And we do everything we can to remove barriers" - Brianna Morton of @ayersfsp, #ruralinnovation @AspenCSG @AspenInstitute
Janet Ayers, @ayersfsp "We are barrier removers." We knew that to help students we had to be in the school, meeting students where they are and connecting them with what the need. #ruralinnovation
Dan Porterfield, @AspenInstitute: College counseling in this country is very dependent on philanthropy. Without foundations like @ayersfsp, it wouldn't happen in a lot of places. #ruralinnovation
"How do you establish trust?" - Dan Porterfield, @AspenInstitute . "We are always there and checking in. The students don't always like it, but I'm always there" - Brianna Morton, @ayersfsp #ruralinnovation @AspenCSG
"With Ayers there are no boxes. If we see something that will help our community, we are able to pursue it." Brianna Morton, counselor, @ayersfsp #ruralinnovation @AspenInstitute
When we invest in rural education, we invest in the improvement of our rural communities. This week rural experts will be on the Hill to discuss topical issues around rural students and communities. @ayersfsp @HalHigdon @BereaPartners #RuralEducation
Rural students graduate from high school at rates equal to or higher than those of their urban/suburban peers, only ⅓ attend college. Janet Ayers, President of @ayersfsp will join a conversation on the Hill on Mar. 12 #RuralEducation
390 students from 4 high schools, 12 sessions, 2 days. Our Junior College Summit at the @UTM_Parsons campus has been a success!
Wednesday March 11: America's Rural Opportunity series will highlight #ruralinnovation in education and student advising. Hear stories from @ayersfsp, @HalHigdon, @rootEdAlliance @AspenHigherEd Join us online or in person: https://t.co/msmjZpkNQN
We would love to thank Marjie Betley from @ViewChicago for coming to our training yesterday to discuss UChicago, Questbridge, and best practices for our students!
“We’ll let others stay on cruise control. We’ll bear down, and keep moving forward” - Mr. Ayers during our first quarterly training at our new headquarters!
https://t.co/r9iGhzxSxf
APSU one-day conference! March 24
Featured speakers:
Janet Ayers, President, The Ayers Foundation @ayersfsp
Dr. Allen Pratt, Executive Director, NREA @PrattAllen
Dr. Penny Schwinn, TN Commissioner of Education @SchwinnTeach
Thanks to the great folks at @ayersfsp in Parsons today! We are grateful for the many ways they support @utmartin. #beUTMproud
https://t.co/J7jisg5AjV
It was great to have Mr. and Mrs. Ayers at Lexington High School yesterday!
Our first training is underway. The Southwest Career Readiness Network Professional Development had special guest @KirkHaston35IU!
It was a great day in Parsons! We celebrated the ribbon cutting of our new headquarters in the childhood home of our founder, Mr. Jim Ayers!
Join us today for our Open House!
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
643 Tennessee Avenue South, Parsons, TN.
https://t.co/DHi11cJj1o
Beautiful fall day in West Tennessee as we celebrate the grand opening of the @ayersfsp center.
No better example of the impact Mr. and Mrs Ayres have had than hearing from @AlecRich21.
Jim and Janet Ayers have big ideas, big dreams and big hearts.
Congratulations to everyone at @ayersfsp for 20 years of service—giving more rural Tennesseans more educational opportunities.
I was glad to speak at the dedication of their new headquarters today in Parsons.
It was great to see our President, Mrs Janet Ayers, receive the 2019 Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award yesterday! https://t.co/KhvzF21X1g
Privileged to have the opportunity to celebrate the @CFMT’s Women of Wonder honorees, including @SCORE4Schools board member Janet Ayers. Congratulations to all and thank you for your service!
Great day in Decatur and Perry counties w/ @ayersfsp! Appreciate @susan_rhodes12 and the support their team gives West TN students! #access #educate #beUTMproud
It’s October 1st, so the 2020-2021 FAFSA is officially live! Don’t wait, make a FAFSA appointment today!
Regional Career Expo organized by the @ayersfsp yesterday. Love seeing students consider new @TN_Pathways and expand what #success looks like to them!
#futureready #schoolcounselor #CCR
The @FAFSA opens oct 1! Call to schedule an appointment for all your FAFSA needs!
A few highlights of the Career Expo for Henderson, Decatur, and Perry Counties’ eighth graders yesterday!
At #SCOREinstitute, Vanderbilt student @zander_alley and @susan_rhodes12 of @ayersfsp discuss the importance of postsecondary education and career preparation.
“The Federation is thankful for visionary philanthropists like Jim and Janet, and The Ayers Foundation, who understand how our natural resources underpin much of Tennessee’s economy and our traditions.”
https://t.co/MHkvuJk8wC
#ThrowbackThursday to...yesterday! Coalition member schools, counselors, @ayersfsp and others dedicated to student equity and success gathered in rural Tennessee to talk about how we all can move the needle on increasing access to college for rural students.
We're adding another member to the team!
We're looking for experienced individuals to add to our team in Missouri! Details attached.
Very proud of our founder and president being presented with the Phoenix Award this past Saturday night!
https://t.co/cjwtvfiFTo
Here’s our #DecisionDay banner with all signatures from seniors in attendance today. Thank you to Commissioner Vandeven and to our partners @ayersfsp and rootED Alliance for making the trip to celebrate with us today. @Journey2College
Bright futures ahead for these @UnionHighCats students! #ShowMeSuccess! Thank you, @ayersfsp and rootEd Alliance, for supporting MO Students. Access Matters!
We were so honored to watch our founder, Mr. Jim Ayers, accept the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans award and become a lifetime Member of the Association. We congratulate Mr. Ayers on this well deserved accomplishment!
We’re hiring!
The Ayers Foundation Scholsrs Program Counselor at Union High School in Union, MO. Please send any questions/resumes to resumes@theayersfoundation.org
A great report from our @lcssus Ayers Foundation Counselors. Our seniors are making plans beyond high school. These folks are making a difference for good!
@ayerslchs @ayersshs @ayersfsp
We are hiring!
We are very honored that our founder, Mr. Ayers, was selected as a member of the 2019 Horatio Alger Class!
Over the last eight years, First Lady @CrissyHaslam has focused on reading proficiency for children. “I am encouraged that reading scores in TN are starting to improve.” - First Lady @CrissyHaslam, the 2018 Innovator in Education!
Click the link below to see our current employment opportunities!
https://t.co/JezlcX2BNt
Had a great tour and lunch today at @utmartin!
All of a sudden, the lines are blurring. Everyone is sitting at the same table discussing how to make sure every student graduates & finds gainful employment - Janet Ayers @ayersfsp on engagement & collaboration to drive success. #FutureReadyTn
The @ayersfsp is a connector. We connect K-12 students with postsecondary institutions and the workforce. Our program’s goal is to ensure all of our students are gainfully employed. Gainful employment is the true key. - Janet Ayers #FutureReadyTN
“What if every Tennessee student had access to a program that was a connector to postsecondary institutions and industry partners?” - Janet Ayers #FutureReadyTN @ayersfsp
Shifting the focus to innovation for increased opportunities for students with panelists Janet Ayers, @ayersfsp; @THobson16; Dr. @jdmatsudaira, @TeachersCollege; and Jon Schnur, America Achieves. #FutureReadyTN
Join us 10/18 for the next Ayers Institute webinar: How can College Access Counselors Partner w/ Families? Two experts will share strategies for partnering w/ parents to encourage a college-going identity. @LipscombCofEd @ayersfsp @TCASN FREE Registration: https://t.co/436RtjSl7s
The 2019-2020 #FAFSA is open! Class of 2019: we are ready for you to take this important step to #keepyourpromise. Need help? @tnAchieves @ayersfsp @Southwest_TN_DD @TNFinancialAid and @TNHigherEd are ready to start the #TNFAFSAFrenzy
Excited to expand our model into Missouri!
https://t.co/mbUUH1WPoW
Starting the day with an inspiring message from Janet Ayers. #fortify18 @ayersfsp @LipscombCofEd
In 2 days, LCHS Guidance and our newest partner, Ayers Foundation, completed 201/254 TN Promise applications for the Class of 2019! That is almost 80%! LCHS is serious about helping ALL of our students become and understand what it means to be “College Ready.”
So excited to be in Lawrence County @ayersfsp https://t.co/1zFgbB8QTY
Don’t miss Janet Ayers asking, "what if we unleashed educational innovation?" at Fortify 2018 on Sept. 18th at SPARK-Downtown Nashville @LipscombCofEd @ayersfsp https://t.co/e3qT6P0fdz
Fortify 2018: Speakers include Janet Ayers, @jarredamato, @jerre_maynor, Beth Wilson, Sister Cecilia Anne Wanner, Patty Thomas, @DrNKArrighi, and Teacher of the Year, @cicely_woodard. Hear their What ifs?! https://t.co/PTIBICFhPx @LipscombCofEd @ProjectLITComm @ayersfsp
Kollin Lippert, a senior Business Management major, presenting on how to be a Distance Learning Technician to Student Workers. #greatutmstudents @ayersfsp
Tennessee's @ayersfsp is increasing postsecondary access and success https://t.co/uowVVFjrTc
Summer is flying by...have you submitted your @TNPromise community service hours?! Don’t miss out, visit the website of your Promise partner organization to find service opps. and submit your hours! @ayersfsp @tnAchieves @Southwest_TN_DD
https://t.co/aC5Z27ssoz
Special thank you to those who joined us in Decatur Co today on our #BoydBusTour stop. So much of what inspired me to begin @tnAchieves and build the @TNPromise is right here in Parsons thanks to the hard work of the @ayersfsp.
College Signing Day 2018! Great day celebrating our Seniors. 95% Postsecondary commitment! Thanks to @ETSUPrez for speaking! @ayersfsp @Unicoi_Schools
We’re hiring! If you or someone you know would make an excellent IT Coordinator, click the link@below! https://t.co/svEHkHwfDU
Great article from @BethelUniv and
@rushingbrian!
https://t.co/FW08plFPNB
Thrilled to see Governor @BillHaslam & Commissioner @McQueenCandice last week announce a major new push to support and enhance school leadership in Tennessee - along with a significant proposal for public & private funding! #LeadershipMatters
"We believe that this will carry the state to the next level" - Ayers Foundation President Janet Ayers.
Honored to support @BillHaslam's investment in school leaders! @SCORE4Schools @ScarlettFndt https://t.co/unCgGkrvQQ
“All schools, all districts, all areas of the state deserve effective leadership.” @McQueenCandice & @BillHaslam announce principal leadership initiative. Great to have so many LT members involved & present @JamieWoodson @ginipupo @UTMcIntyre @davemansouri @ayersfsp
Great teamwork here to build #TN "Principal Pipelines" by @BillHaslam, @McQueenCandice, @SCORE4Schools, @ayersfsp, @ScarlettFoundn https://t.co/O67HKGmkOv
Leadership matters. Exciting that @BillHaslam and Tennessee’s philanthropic community are investing in strong, effective, and well-trained school leaders. @SCORE4Schools is excited to be a part of this effort. #tnedu @ayersfsp @ScarlettFndt
Spring has sprung in Tennessee! Use this beautiful weekend to get outside and give back to your community...and earn community service hours for @TNPromise! Check out great service opportunities near you on the @ayersfsp @tnAchieves and @Southwest_TN_DD websites.
It was a great day for collaboration and exploration of ways to improve our students' preparation for their future careers!
https://t.co/dMfJPMLmTC
So excited for Grace Ann-she has won the TSDAR Scholarship and will be presented this honor at the State Capitol this summer. Congrats!! Way to represent Unicoi County! @UCHSCD @ayersfsp
Spent the day with @CumberlandU! Lots of opportunities for our students! Thanks for an awesome day! @ayersfsp @TNPromise @TNFinancialAid @tnstudent @TNHigherEd
Enjoyed meeting the fine professionals from the Ayers @ayersfsp . Impressive work they are doing and incredible mission.
Honored to have @ayersfsp on campus today @CumberlandU. Our office looks forward to sharing the history and future of Cumberland with your students. Thank you for what you do in ensuring access and success of Tennessee students.
Thanks @ayersfsp for coming by @CumberlandU today! We look forward to working with you in the future.
A few of our Lexington HS Students participating in National Signing Day at TCAT-Paris!
Our students at National Signing Day at TCAT Hohenwald! @TNRegents @TNPromise @TNFinancialAid @TNHigherEd @tnstudent @ayersfsp
Students, we hope you had a great winter break, and our offices are open and (mostly) warm. Here's to the SPRING in spring semester!
Another great moment from the year: I always enjoy #CollegeSigningDay, and this year we did it big with @Unicoi_Schools and my friends @ayersfsp to celebrate a 98% college-going rate! Also, posed for an amazing selfie with @mikekrauseTN & @Unicoi_Schools students!
We are so thankful for being selected for this year's service project! https://t.co/Iuut0gfRiD
https://t.co/svEHkHwfDU
We're looking to expand our team!
Thank you to everyone that came to our @tnacrao session, the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Campus Tours!
It was an honor to start @tnacrao with an opening session by our director @susan_rhodes12! #tnacrao
Enjoyed lunch at the Ayers Foundation @ayersfsp and appreciate all they do for students in West TN---a true model for the nation
The first step of financial aid in college is the FAFSA! If you have not already completed the FAFSA, contact your Ayers counselor today!
Proud to wear @ayersfsp shirt on #RunwithRandy thru Decatur Co. Their dedication to improving TN is what the Volunteer Spirit is all about!
Couldn't have said it better ourselves, Governor. If you haven't already, make an appointment with your Ayers counselor today!
https://t.co/4d14Omx2PH
One of our own, RHS's Hayden Bawcum speaking about dual enrollment at @UTM_Parsons!
We're hanging out at @UTM_Parsons today! @KC4UTM one question, does this count as a bow tie?
It’s COLLEGE APP WEEK! The goal is to get 100% of seniors to apply to college! Visit your Ayers Counselor today to apply!
https://t.co/BsLZPAgNXI We were honored to be at the ribbon cutting this Tuesday of the Jim and Janet Ayers Center for Health Sciences!
Having a blast today at the annual Ayers College Fair! 800 students will get the opportunity to meet with the 40 colleges in attendance.
Janet Ayers of @ayersfsp: FACES of Nashville https://t.co/kEMN3I53Bo
100% OF 2018 GRADS HAVE APPLIED FOR @TNPromise!!!! Boom!
First cold morning of the school year? Must mean campus visits are coming soon! Be on the lookout for permission slips in your Ayers office!
Ready to join our awesome team? We're taking applications now! https://t.co/svEHkHwfDU
Had a great time hearing from @destin_tucker from @utmartin and our friends at UTC and UTK! Excited to bring this back to our students.
Reminder: The Tennessee Promise application for the class of 2018 is open! If you have not already, visit your Ayers Counselor today!
Getting ready to purchase textbooks? Here's a great deal for students with an email address ending in .edu!
Incredible afternoon with @ayersfsp in Parsons! Ayers Foundation is setting the bar for access & completion in TN!
Class of 2018: think we can get 100% of you to apply for the @TNPromise scholarship?
Very proud of the work being done in Unicoi Co! Keep up with their students' success and activities - @jodilane88 https://t.co/3sCfh5hjPC
"After a lot of hard work, determination, and way too much money I'm officially a licensed pilot! 👨🏻✈️🛩"
📸: Joel Killian, @MTSU Sophomore
Thank you to Governor @BillHaslam and the General Assembly for providing students with this opportunity. #TNWeCanBe #TNReconnect
It's summer. Graduations have commenced, high schools are vacant...except your Ayers Counselor! We're here all summer if you need any help!
Congratulations Lexington High School Class of 2017!
We're so blessed and grateful to have @susan_rhodes12 as our leader. Also thankful that @JacobTucker5 was available to present this to her!
Congratulations Perry County High School Class of 2017! We enjoyed celebrating with you and your families tonight!
Thanks to General Assembly for partnering to make TN 1st state to offer tuition-free community college. https://t.co/WxCMbJsp77 #TNWeCanBe
We have loved seeing @KC4UTM, @UTMNatalie, and @destin_tucker! They are an all-star team and have our student's best interests at heart!
Congratulations Scotts Hill High School Class of 2017!
Congratulations Riverside High School Class of 2017!
The Ayers Foundation End of the Year Celebration is underway at Riverside High School!
What do Ayers counselors do on a Tuesday night? Dinner with @AWilliamson54! Thanks for the shoutout!
We had the pleasure of meeting Issac at the Jackson State Foundation fundraiser. Best of luck in your next endeavor Issac!
We're so thankful that our President and ETSU alum, Mrs Janet Ayers had the opportunity to give the commencement at ETSU. Congrats Bucs!
Congratulations @Unicoi_Schools seniors & @ayersfsp for the 98% college-going rate! #CollegeSigningDay
106 Jackson St CC graduates tmrw began Fall 2015 on @TNPromise - 20% of the total graduates! #TNPromiseGrads #TnWeCanBe #jscc17 @JSCC_main
@McQueenCandice "inspirational, collaborative & curious" ~Class I member Janet Ayers @LipscombCofEd #innovatorineducation
The UCHS Bluegrass band did a great job performing at the College Signing ceremony!
Before the College Signing Ceremony, the UCHS Drumline started off the festivities with a bang!
Thanks to Jim& Janet Ayers and @ayersfsp for support of @Unicoi_Schools - 98% of Seniors are going to college! #CollegeSigningDay
Thank you so much for joining us in celebrating our UCHS seniors @mikekrauseTN @McQueenCandice! We hope you enjoyed your time in Erwin!
Forgot to book our flights to Australia with you, but we're not scared! It's great to know these opportunities are close by for our students
Incredible day @utmartin with the @ayersfsp team! Helping many students realize post-secondary success! @Driveto55 @CompleteTN @UTM_Parsons
We got a close look at the wonderful things the UTM Vet Tech Program is doing. If you have any questions, visit your Ayers Counselor!
We had a great time meeting with Dr. Carver yesterday and learning about the opportunities at UTM! Their Rodeo Weekend continues tonight!
Janet Ayers of @ayerslhs leads #TNedu efforts w/ scholarship & teacher prep programs. More in @StyleBlueprint: https://t.co/rY8nAr1oIS
Another FAFSA myth, debunked.
Our Parent meeting will be this Thursday at 6 pm in the auditorium, We will also be available during parent-teacher conference!
The University of Memphis will have a representative in the auditorium tomorrow, August 31st, during LE. See you there!
Our first Parent/Senior meeting will be September 15th at 6:00 pm in the auditorium.
Are you #membound or a #futureskyhawk? UTM and Memphis Field Trip Permission Slips are available now! Due THIS FRIDAY
Today is the last day to turn in permission slips for the College Fair on Sept 9th! You do not want to miss this!
Thanks for the great article @erwinrecord! #ayersfoundation #collegeaccess
https://t.co/rz1vj47RKD
It's the 10th year of the Ayers Children's Medical Center. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Ayers for all that you do!
Don't forget to turn in your permission slips for the College Fair on Sept 9! They are due this Friday!
SENIORS!
Senior Meeting this Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the beginning of LE. See you there!
Congrats Class of 2016!
Parents of LHS Juniors: It is time to start putting information together for the FAFSA (in Oct this year), call us at (731)-968-2961 ext6080
Volunteer Opportunity: The newly opened Ray Smith Family Distribution Center of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee located in the Industrial Park in Camden, Tennessee has opportunities for community service hours. In case you are not familiar with…
Read MoreKolpak Opens its Doors for Manufacturing Day 2018 in Parsons, TN! Kolpak in Parsons, TN was honored to host over sixty students from Scotts Hill and Riverside High School, along with local city and government officials in celebration of Mfg…
Read MoreLast year, the Ayers Foundation Scholarship Program funded $1.4 million in scholarships for students in Tennessee’s rural counties of Decatur, Henderson, Perry and Unicoi. And college counselors working for the Foundation secured another $6 million. The mission of Jim and…
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