In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk sits down with Krissy DeAlejandro, President and CEO of tnAchieves, to talk about what it really takes to get students to and through college. They’ll break down how tnAchieves removes barriers to postsecondary education and how Knox County Schools is shifting the focus from just earning a diploma to preparing students for real success after graduation. From advanced academics to the 865 Academies, college fairs, and campus visits, they’ll explore the key experiences that help students turn their college goals into reality.
04:00 - How Krissy DeAlejandro became the first in her family to go to college
06:45 - What does tnAchieves do?
10:20 - What is postsecondary enrollment?
14:07 - The importance of mentors in tn Achieves
18:45 - What is the FAFSA?
22:57 - How to apply for postsecdonary enrollment
26:29 - What is Knox Access?
31:53 - How does KCS prepare students for success in life after high school?
41:44 - The role of 865 Academies and guaranteed experiences
48:36 - How the postsecondary path has changed recently
55:24 - Advice for parents and students
Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022.
Krissy DeAlejandro is the President and CEO of tnAchieves, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping Tennessee high school students transition to higher education. Originally launched as knoxAchieves in 2008, Krissy played a pivotal role in shaping the program, which began as an idea sketched on a whiteboard during her time as Deputy Chief of Staff for Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale. A first-generation college graduate, Krissy holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of the South (Sewanee) and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at both UTK and Pellissippi State Community College. In addition to leading tnAchieves, Krissy serves on the boards of Junior Achievement of East Tennessee and the Boy Scouts – Great Smoky Mountain Council, on the advisory councils of SCORE and College Promise, and is the executive director of The Boyd Foundation.
Key Takeaways:
The path to success after high school graduation has fundamentally changed in recent years
Postsecondary education can be affordable and available for everyone
Links & Resources:
Questions or show ideas? Email TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org.
Learn more about Knox County Schools at KnoxSchools.org.
Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms:
Learn more about tnAchieves at tnachieves.org.
Follow the Knox County Government on all platforms:
Learn more about Federal Student Aid here and find the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) here.
Learn more about UT Promise here.
