CLARKSVILLE, TN − CMCSS Seniors may be eligible to apply for the TN Promise. As explained by the TN Higher Education Commission & Student Assistance Corporation, “Tennessee resident/U.S. citizen/eligible non-citizen/students who graduate from an eligible high school, homeschool, or earn a GED/HISET (prior to 19th birthday) can receive an award at an eligible postsecondary institution toward tuition and mandatory fees after all other gift aid has been first applied.”

Several eligibility requirements apply, including:

  • Students must attend mandatory meetings and participate in a mentoring program.
  • College students must attend full-time and continue participating in the mentoring program.
  • Students must perform 8 hours of community service prior to each term the award is received.

Learn more about eligibility requirements here.

To access the TN Promise application, click here. The deadline for seniors to apply for the TN Promise is November 3, 2025.

STOP. DROP. FAFSA Event – January 20-23, 2026

All CMCSS high schools will host a Stop, Drop, FAFSA event January 20-23, 2026. School leaders will help students understand the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, answer questions regarding the application, and assist with the next steps.

Confusion surrounding the FAFSA application process is one of the most common reasons students do not fill out the forms. School leaders encourage all CMCSS Seniors to complete the application to know of any available aid. Many colleges, universities, and technical schools require completion of the FAFSA as part of the admission process, whether students qualify or not. The TN Promise requires completion of the application by April 1, 2026.

For families who may have questions or need additional assistance understanding the application process, CMCSS has several helpful resources.

Families can find information from studentaid.gov concerning the 2026-2027 FAFSA.

FAFSA Night – March 25, 2026

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Central Services South (1312 Highway 48, Clarksville)

Are you ready to take the next big step in your educational journey? Join us for an informative evening dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) Whether you’re a student preparing for college or a parent supporting your child’s academic aspirations, FAFSA Night is an essential event for unlocking financial aid opportunities and making higher education accessible.

Personalized Guidance: Our team of financial aid experts will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance, walking you through the FAFSA application process step by step.

If you have questions, email Dr. Becky Padgett, becky.padgett@cmcss.net, or Leslie Parreco, leslie.parreco@cmcss.net.

Help for Families

Periodically throughout the spring semester, the CollegeforTN Outreach team will conduct a live demonstration of the 2026–27 FAFSA. Parents, students, and college access professionals must register to watch at https://www.collegefortn.org/events/category/student-webinars/.

Phone Helpline: Students and family members can schedule a time to speak with a live person who can provide assistance regarding the application process. Live support is available by clicking Schedule a call with a FAFSA expert.

Video Tutorials: Understand the FAFSA process better by watching the videos at YouTube.com/FederalStudentAid.

Email Helpline: Parents and students can email FAFSA@cmcss.net where they will be connected with Becky Padgett, Leslie Parreco, and Chris Pugh for help and guidance.

Text Helpline: Students and parents can text FAFSA to 335577 to receive mobile support from “Get Schooled.” The mobile program assists students with a variety of services.

NSCC FAFSA Parent Night Info

Video Tutorials: Assistance is available from collegefortn.org with a video instructional series.

Email Support: Families can receive support from the state FAFSA support team (FAFSA.Help@tn.gov) or the CMCSS FAFSA support team (Fafsa@cmcss.net.)