Tennessee College of Applied Technology McMinnville will open up its computer lab from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, for area high school seniors to sign up for Tennessee Promise and fill out their college applications as part of a statewide Scholarship Saturday.
The event is designed to encourage students to enroll in Tennessee Promise, the state’s new program that provides two years of technical or community college tuition-free for any student graduating from a Tennessee high school. The class of 2015 will be the first eligible to take advantage of the program. Tennessee Promise is part of the Drive to 55 initiative to increase the number of Tennesseans with some form of post-secondary credential, such as a technical certificate or diploma.
During Scholarship Saturday, students may come to 214 Vo-Tech Drive between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and use the college’s computers to sign up online. Free pizza and soft drinks will be available for anyone signing up.  
“Tennessee Promise is such an incredible opportunity for students to pursue their dreams after high school,” said Mike Garrison, TCAT McMinnville coordinator of Student Services. “We want to make signing up for the Promise a celebration for the students and also give them an opportunity to get their application to college in at the same time. This puts them well on their way down the path to completing a post-secondary credential.”
Tennessee Promise director Mike Krause said he hopes many Tennessee students attend the event nearest them.
“The Nov. 1 deadline to register for Tennessee Promise will be here soon, so we encourage students to sign up early,” Krause said. “With the Scholarship Saturday event, students can sign up and enjoy getting a look at their possible future campus.”
Tennessee College of Applied Technology McMinnville offers diploma programs in 10 areas of regional employment.  Programs run from 12 to 20 months, with students gaining knowledge, attitudes and skills employers desire. All students are encouraged to apply for state and federal financial aid to assist with the cost of tuition, books and supplies.