ADVANCE865 is a community of leaders and organizations committed to increasing outcomes for Knox County graduates. Through innovative strategies and accountability, the collective works to inspire advocates, increase collaboration and ensure all Knox County graduates are empowered to pursue a high-quality pathway after high school.

ADVANCE865 Scorecard

Knox County is committed to achieving a 70% college-going rate by 2024 through ADVANCE865, which supports initiatives like the 865 Academies and the Enroll, Enlist, Employ framework to prepare students for postsecondary success. By leveraging data to track progress, ADVANCE865 emphasizes a collective effort to equip graduates for college, the military, or the workforce.

Knox County

High schools

The collective support of an entire county and community reinforces the belief that every high school senior deserves the opportunity to pursue a college education, recognizing it as a critical step toward individual and community success. By showcasing college-going data for each Knox County high school, the image highlights the shared responsibility to inspire and empower students to take the next step in their educational journey.

Looking Ahead

With the goal of every KCS graduate pursuing a high-quality pathway after high school, we still have work to do. ADVANCE865 is excited to announce our new goal of 80% by 2028!

 FAQs

  • According to Georgetown University, 70% of jobs in 2030 will require some post-secondary education. Setting a goal of 70% positions Knox County to be equipped to meet future workforce demands with a prepared talent pipeline and promotes economic prosperity for Knox County high school seniors.

  • Although once at an all-time high of 67% in 2015, Knox County dropped to 59% of its students attending college (i.e., technical, two-year, four-year) directly following high school graduation in 2021.  This dramatic decline posed a threat to our county’s long-term economic viability. 70% by 2024 is a community-supported goal to increase Knox County’s college-going rate to 70% by 2024.

  • College-going rate is a measure of the number of high school seniors who pursue college after high school. Below are three measures of Knox County’s college-going rate. The “enrolled in college” percentage found on this document is calculated using the ADVANCE865 measure.

    Denominator (Who counts as eligible for measurement):

    • THEC: Any student from the state 9th-grade cohort who receives a regular diploma between August 1 and July 31 annually.

    • Knox County Schools: Any student who receives a certificate from the week after school starts to one year later, regardless of cohort.

    • ADVANCE865: Any student from the 2024 senior cohort who graduated from high school as defined by federal standards.*

    Numerator (Who is included in the measurement for postsecondary enrollment):

    • THEC: Any student with a post high school graduation enrollment record at any post-secondary institution, including TCAT.

    • Knox County Schools: Any student with a post high school graduation enrollment record at any post-secondary institution, excluding TCAT.

    • ADVANCE865: Any student with a post high school enrollment record at any post-secondary institution, including TCAT.

    *Federal definition of high school graduate is any student who receives a diploma AND completes either Algebra II, Chemistry OR Physics.

  • Announced in January 2023, the 70% by 2024 goal rallied support from more than 70 businesses and organizations. In just two years, Knox County students' success rate rose to 73%, inspiring the new 80% by 2028 goal. By supporting ADVANCE865 and 80% by 2028, businesses endorse the idea that all KCS graduates should pursue a high-quality post-secondary pathway. Learn more at ADVANCE865.org.

  • Achieving 80% will place Knox County as the second in the state and first among large counties.

    Class of 2023 College-Going Rate

    Top 5 Counties Overall:

    • Williamson: 80.2%

    • Lewis: 70.8%

    • Moore: 70.0%

    • Decatur: 68.1%

    • Sumner: 67.1%

    Large Counties:

    • Knox: 64.2%

    • Rutherford: 55.5%

    • Hamilton: 55.3%

    • Shelby: 52.8%

    • Davidson: 50.8%

  • Leveraging Knox County Schools’ 865 Academy work, ADVANCE865 believes every student deserves a high-quality pathway after high school. Although not the 2028 goal, partners across the county are working to ensure that 100% of students have access to one of the success pathways (enroll, enlist or employ).

    1. Embrace a student-first approach and a “we are all in this together” mindset;

    2. Develop a plan that explicitly addresses gaps in access to post-secondary education and measures subgroup access;

    3. Increase collaboration and coordination between K12, higher education, community partners, and business/industry;

    4. Develop and deliver a message that post-secondary education and training is for all and further define the multiple post-secondary pathways to prosperity;

    5. Continue to focus on increased college retention and completion strategies; and

    6. Create and implement a long-term strategy to build and maintain a strong talent pipeline.

ADVANCE865 Founding Partners

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