Tennessee Higher Education Initiative

Smiles, laughter, and real moments of joy—this is what community looks like. On this International Day of Happiness, we’re celebrating this year’s theme, Sharing and Caring. We see this in action every day—through the support for our students and alumni, the dedication of our staff, and the way our community shows up to create opportunities and lasting change. Take a look at these candid moments of joy! Want to keep the good going? Join us at THEI’s Path Forward Luncheon on April 28th and be part of a future where education, support, and radical hospitality create more reasons to smile. Register now: https://ow.ly/naWw50VlJNE Donate today: https://ow.ly/lJAf50VlJNG #InternationalDayOfHappiness #SharingAndCaring #RadicalHospitality #JoyInCommunity #ThePathForward

On March 8th, THEI women alumni came together at Scarritt Bennett to celebrate International Women’s Day—a gathering rooted in sisterhood, healing, and empowerment. In this space, we uplifted the voices and journeys of women reclaiming their lives after incarceration. Maya Angelou reminds us: “Each time a woman stands up for herself… she stands up for all women.” #WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #RadicalHospitality #ReentryMatters #HealingAndEmpowerment

Burnout is real, and the THEI staff can't show up for our students and alumni if we’re running on empty. That’s why our staff is taking time off for a springtime Rest & Reflection this week, March 10th - 14th—a time to step back, recharge, and return ready to continue our work with energy and intention. We’ll be back in action on Monday, March 17th—rested and refocused. #RestToRise #RadicalHospitality #BurnoutIsReal #RestAndRecharge #EducationInsideAndOut

Important Update: The date for THEI’s third annual Path Forward Luncheon has changed! Join us Monday, April 28th, 2025, at Belmont University to hear directly from our alumni, housing residents, staff, and community partners about THEI’s impact on the lives of our students and alumni. Individual seats are $100, with all proceeds supporting THEI’s Housing Network as well as our educational and transitional initiatives in 2025. Sponsorship opportunities are also available! If your organization is interested in sponsoring, or if you have any questions about the Path Forward Luncheon, please reach out to THEI Development & Communications Manager, Cara Albert, at [email protected]. Register now: https://ow.ly/c2ck50VbojL #PathForwardLuncheon #HigherEdInPrison #ChangingTheStory #SecondChances #InvestInImpact #EducationTransforms #SupportHigherEd #JusticeImpactedVoices #BreakingBarriers

Big things are happening in the THEI alumni community! Our alumni and housing residents are starting new careers, pursuing degrees, and reaching major milestones. These wins aren’t just personal—they show what’s possible when reentry support meets radical hospitality. Reentry isn’t just about a second chance; it’s about building a future on YOUR terms. We’re proud to walk alongside them every step of the way! #RadicalHospitality #EducationInsideAndOut #BreakingBarriers #JusticeImpacted #THEIAlumni #ReentrySuccess

This semester, our Educational Programs team is conducting a book study with THEI students, diving into The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. This powerful book challenges readers to rethink personal beliefs about freedom, happiness, and love—reshaping how we see our worth and what’s possible. To make this journey even more meaningful, we’re sharing custom THEI bookmarks with words of encouragement and photos from past THEI graduations—reminders of the path forward. #HigherEdInPrison #ChangingTheStory #UnlockPotential #InvestInEducation #TransformThroughEducation #BreakingBarriers

Team THEI took a creativity break at our February staff outing! We took time during our work day to decompress and unwind over some hands-on painting at Brushfire Pottery Studio in Nashville. Experiences like these are a fun reminder of our team's shared passion! #TeamTHEI #StaffAppreciation #StaffOuting #CreativeBreak #ArtInspiration

THEI alumni and housing residents recently experienced The Mountaintop at Tennessee Performing Arts Center, a powerful reimagining of Dr. King’s final night. For many of our guests, it was their first time at the theatre and a reminder that art creates a space for healing on their reentry journey, building a successful future post-incarceration. #ReentryJourney #HealingThroughArt #ArtsForChange #MLK #CommunityHealing #LiveTheater #TPAC #TheMountaintop

When voices of resistance speak through pages, they ignite change. This Black History Month, our staff has curated a list of seven must-read books written by Black authors and scholars. These narratives mirror our own values toward disrupting systems of harm and uplifting those whose voices have been historically marginalized, inspiring our daily commitment to educational empowerment. Read the full list now, and comment with your favorite works crafted by Black writers: https://ow.ly/6xWb50UZWwf #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackVoices #ReadBlackAuthors #EmpowerChange

Game Day meets Game Plan! At Ogburn House, our Super Bowl watch party combined a fun evening with THEI's "Game Plan for Success" workshop, empowering our alumni to set goals, overcome barriers, and build strong support networks. A strong "Reentry Playbook" gives returning individuals a clear roadmap for success from day one. Thank you to our alumni and community for transforming game day into a launchpad for new beginnings. #SuperBowl #ReentrySuccess #WatchParty #ReentrySuccess #CommunityEmpowerment