Senate Education Chairman Dolores Gresham endorses initiative to expand local college access

(NASHVILLE, TN), October 21, 2009  – Senate Education Chairman Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville) today endorsed STEP (Southwest Tennessee Education Pathways), an initiative aimed at expanding college access for local students.  The initiative is designed to boost workforce development in the ten-county region around the West Tennessee Megasite.

“The STEP program is very important to the success of the Megasite,” said Chairman Gresham.  “I am pleased Tennessee is moving ahead with this program and look forward to hearing reports of its success in our Education Committee.”

The STEP program is modeled after the Ayers Foundation Scholarship Program, which has been very successful.  STEP has engaged the Ayers Foundation to provide expertise in organizing the program.  The initiative will begin with the recruitment and training of students in the admissions and financial aid processes.  Participating counties will then work with the program to provide “last dollar” scholarships to fill in the tuition gaps for students after all other sources of financial aid have been accessed.

 “The Ayers Foundation will be very valuable in assessing needs and resources,” added Chairman Gresham.  “With their help, and with the cooperation of local officials, this program should get off to a great start.”

Senator Gresham represents Senate District 26 which is comprised of Crockett, Haywood, Fayette, Hardeman, Chester, McNairy, Hardin, and Wayne Counties.

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