Mission

The Ayers Foundation Trust is dedicated to improving the quality of life of rural Tennesseans through education, conservation, and social welfare. We help students remove barriers, access quality education, and earn a degree or credential leading to a prosperous life.

How We Got Started

Jim Ayers, a successful banker and businessman from the rural west Tennessee town of Parsons, was one of the first in his family to graduate from college.
In 1999, he formed The Ayers Foundation as a way to give back to his hometown. Jim and his wife, Janet, believe education is the best way to open doors, remove barriers, and give people choices. They started the Ayers Scholars Program at Riverside High School to help students from his alma mater go to college. Today, the Ayers Scholars Program operates in 33 high schools across the state.

Objectives

The Ayers Foundation programmatic objectives for seniors are:

• Apply for the Tennessee Promise and other scholarships

• Visit college campuses

• Apply to colleges, universities, and TCATs

• Fill out the FAFSA

• Complete work on a college budget to determine the best college fit

• Gain acceptance to college, TCAT, military, or apprenticeships, and celebrate with the community at the Signing Day Celebration!

• Stay in touch with Ayers counselors for follow-up and questions after orientation to ensure a smooth transition into your chosen

  postsecondary option