“The human spirit is strong, and just because you don’t reach the end on your first try doesn’t mean it is out of reach,” said Thomas Doolittle, a Tennessee Reconnect student majoring in business management. Mr. Doolittle had good intentions after graduation from high school and had planned on college, but once there, he found that he didn’t have the same drive as he did when he was home with his family in Chattanooga. Thomas transferred to Chattanooga State saying it was a “fantastic choice” due to its online classes and flexible class scheduling, but he found himself still lacking in motivation and said, “I couldn’t seem to find my stride.”

Taking a break from school, Doolittle married, changed jobs and became a father. He focused on his life and decided to work on the aspects of his personality that held him back. Thomas decided he was now ready for the challenges of college, came back to Chattanooga State in fall 2020, and with help from the Tennessee Reconnect Grant, was able to find school affordable.

Doolittle is one of approximately 1,000 Chattanooga State students since 2018 that are using the Tennessee Reconnect Grant to help them get the degree, diploma or certificate that they want, tuition-free.

“Helping to raise a son, working long hours, working toward finding a new home, and now, progress toward a degree didn’t feel as heavy as it had the first time around,” shared Mr. Doolittle.

Join us for a Tennessee Reconnect virtual information session on Webex:

• Monday, Feb. 1 @ 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 3 @ 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 6 @ 10 a.m.
• Monday, Feb. 8 @ 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 10 @ 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 13 @ 10 a.m.
• Monday, Feb. 15 @ 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 17 @ 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 20 @ 10 a.m.
• Monday, Feb. 22 @ 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 24 @ 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 27 @ 10 a.m.

Pre-register for the session of your choice at chattanoogastate.edu/tnreconnect.