REDI (Regional Economic Development Initiative) College Access Program


Programs ends June 30, 2019 and becomes Tipton County College Access Program.

REDI (Regional Economic Development Initiative) College Access Program

The REDI (Regional Economic Development Initiative) College Access Program is Tipton County’s partnering organization for TN Promise.  The leadership of the REDI region understands the link between education, workforce and economic development.

The College Access Program, the cornerstone of the REDI initiative, works with each of the REDI communities to develop a mentoring program.  These mentors will be tasked with working with the participating students on the following: 

  • importance of post-secondary education
  • advisement on career paths
  • assistance to the student and family with college applications and any financial aid forms
  • assist students in applying and completing steps for TN Promise

The benefit of this program is a more educated population and workforce that will help to make this region of West Tennessee grow and become more prosperous.


Essentially, the job of the mentor is to break down whatever barrier prevents a high school graduate from pursuing some form of post-secondary education.

The Tipton County Scholarship Program is designed to:

  • Encourage eligible high school graduates to attend college or some post-secondary certificate program
  • Enable students to prepare for obtaining good, well-paying jobs within the region
  • Provide an educated and well-qualified workforce 

Tipton County will be awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors who participated in the R.E.D.I.  College Access Program.  Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board, or other educational expenses.

Scholarship Eligibility

Graduating high school seniors of Brighton, Covington, and Munford High Schools are eligible to apply.  Active participation in The Regional Economic Development Initiative's College Access Program (REDI) is required.

Award Amounts

Annual award amounts are $600.00. ($300.00 per semester or $200.00 per trimester at TCATs).  Any dollars awarded will be sent directly to the attending post-secondary institution once enrollment is verified by REDI.

Maintaining the Scholarship

The Tipton County Scholarship Program is a renewable award for up to two years or four semesters.   Students must be in good academic and financial standing with their post­ secondary institution.
Students must be enrolled full-time (12 or more credits per semester) pursuing a postsecondary degree from one of the eligible postsecondary institutions listed above. Students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 G.P.A. as a condition of continuing the scholarship on a yearly basis.
Students are required to continue their participation in REDI by meeting with a College Access Mentor or Program Coordinator once a semester while enrolled and perform eight (8) hours of community service per academic year. Scholarships can be renewed for a maximum of two years.

Next Steps

Step 1 Complete and submit application
Step 2 Submit required documents

  • Transcript:  A copy of your most recent transcript that reflects the most recent academic period from your respective college/university or high school
  • Acceptance Letter and Financial Aid Award Letter from the postsecondary institution the student will be attending
  • Proof of Expected Family Contribution:  A copy of the first page of your Student Aid Report (SAR) (may be obtained via website at www.fafsa.ed.gov
  • Community Service Verification Form

For more information on how to apply for TN Promise or the REDI scholarship, contact one of our REDI mentors.

Meet our Mentors

mentor Katherine
Katherine Markley
, Tipton County College Access Coach
kmarkley@tiptonco.com
kmarkley@tipton-county.com
901-830-8583
Office located @ Munford High School 

mentor brandon
Brandon Armstrong
, Tipton County College Access Coach
barmstrong@tiptonco.com
901-451-2315
Office located @ Brighton High School 

mentor mario
Mario Hayslett
, Tipton County College Access Coach
mhayslett@tiptonco.com
731-612-2102
Office located @ Covington High School