As the economy became the driving force behind education policy in recent decades, postsecondary education planners and policymakers turned their attention to older adults. In Tennessee, the state launched its "Drive to 55" campaign to increase the number of residents earning postsecondary degrees. Along with these changes came the call for more research to inform practices and policies related to older adult learners. This study sought to understand postsecondary education experiences of adult scholars from rural, low-education counties in Tennessee. Findings demonstrated participants' determination to complete despite initial doubts, the importance of informal peer supports, and the significance of family. [For the complete proceedings, see ED597786.]