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Looking to start or return to college while balancing work and family?

Walters State Community College has programs designed just for adult learners.

An adult learner open house is planned from on April 25 3-6:30 p.m. in Cates-Cutshaw Hall on the Sevier County Campus. .

Over $1 million dollars in Tennessee Reconnect grants were given to Walters State students during the past fiscal year.

The grants are reserved for students who are beginning or returning to college after age 23. Parents and veterans also qualify. Many adult learners also received funding from sources such as Federal Pell Grants.

“This is a great time to be a college student in Tennessee, especially for adult learners,” Dr. Erin Dean, coordinator of adult learners and advisor at Walters State, said. “For many, Tennessee Reconnect has made it possible to return to college or attend college for the first time. Adult learners do very well academically at Walters State. We know that it’s sometimes challenging to balance work, family and school obligations. We listen and guide students through academic planning to ease that challenge.”

Tennessee Reconnect is a last-dollar scholarship for adult students. To receive this grant, students must be classified as an “independent student” by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Recipients must also be Tennessee residents for a year, enroll for at least six hours (usually two classes) per semester. Those receiving Tennessee Reconnect cannot have previously earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Students applying for Tennessee Reconnect are also required to complete the FAFSA.

This is a drop-in event and now reservations are required. For more information, contact Dean at Erin.Dean@ws.edu.