Come Home Tennessee

09/04/2026

The countdown is on!

The Ayers Alumni Tailgate is coming up this month, and we can’t wait to bring Ayers Scholars Alumni together in Knoxville before the University of Tennessee takes on Kennesaw State.

Join us for an evening of food, fellowship, and Volunteer football as we reconnect and celebrate our Ayers alumni.

September 19 | 5:00 p.m. ET
1345 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville

Register today: https://ayersfoundationtrust.org/rsvp-for-the-ayers-alumni-tailgate-at-utk/

We hope to see you in Knoxville!

09/02/2026

What makes Tennessee feel like home to you?

Maybe it’s being close to family, finding a career you love, giving back to your hometown, or simply being part of a community that feels like yours.

This Why Come Home Wednesday, we want to hear from you. What makes Tennessee home? Tell us in the comments!

09/01/2026

Come Home Tennessee is dedicated to connecting Tennesseans with the opportunities, resources, and relationships they need to live, work, and thrive right here at home. From career connections and mentorship to community resources, we’re helping create pathways that make coming home possible.

09/01/2026

08/28/2026

A new investment in rural Tennessee is creating new opportunities for Hancock County!

On August 21, Clinch River Valley State Park was officially dedicated in Kyles Ford, becoming Tennessee’s 67th state park. The park will bring new visitors to the region while supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and showcasing the natural beauty of the Clinch River.

Ayers Foundation Trust Chairman Janet Ayers and CEO Dr. Burton Williams, along with Ayers Foundation Trust team members who serve and support the region, attended the dedication alongside Cathy Cate, Chairman of the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy Board, and other state and community leaders.

“The reason the state park is so important is that it’s about conservation. It’s about bringing tourists into this area,” Ayers shared.

This investment represents what Come Home Tennessee is all about: strengthening rural communities, creating opportunities close to home, and preserving what makes our communities special for generations to come.

“We are committed to Hancock County,” Ayers said.

We are excited to see the impact Clinch River Valley State Park will have on Hancock County and Northeast Tennessee!

08/27/2026

Dolly Parton has long been a North Star for rural Tennesseans, showing generations what is possible while never forgetting where she came from.

Through her commitment to education, literacy and opportunity, she continues to light the way for communities across our state.

At the Ayers Foundation Trust, we are grateful for leaders like Dolly who remind us of the power of investing in rural Tennessee and its people.

08/26/2026

Giving back to the next generation is one way our alumni continue to make an impact.

Ayers Scholar Alumna Carly Farlow serves as a mentor through the Come Home Tennessee Mentorship Program, using her own experiences to encourage and support current Ayers Scholars as they navigate college, careers, and what comes next.

Hear from Carly about why she chooses to serve and the impact mentorship can have.

08/25/2026

Join our Team at the Brownsville/Haywood Extension Campus as the instructor for our CMA to PN Bridge Evening and Weekend Program. We are looking for an experienced instructor to teach the next generation of healthcare professionals.

08/24/2026

This is the work we are doing every day.

When I got to Livingston, I drove around the downtown square twice. I wanted to make sure I wasn't imagining it, but every single storefront was full.

In a lot of towns, keeping Main Street occupied is an uphill battle, and it made me wonder how a county of fewer than 30,000 people pulls that off. Turns out, being small might be the advantage itself.

In this episode, Zach Stephens shares how he's turning a once-distressed county into one that companies and families actually want to be in.

It comes down to three things: childcare, healthcare, and education.

Available now on YouTube (https://youtu.be/iEo8B6gJyEA) or wherever you listen to podcasts (https://www.archabouttn.com/podcast)

08/21/2026

The Come Home Tennessee Mentorship Program is all about connection, growth, and having someone in your corner. Build meaningful relationships, gain real-world insight, and take the next step toward your goals.