Update:
Sevier County Needs 60 TN Promise Mentors
With only one month remaining before the application deadline, tnAchieves, the organization that administers TN Promise, still needs 60 mentors in Sevier County. Mentors provide each scholarship applicant a local support system who ensures the transition from high school to college is as easy and successful as possible.
Many of the students that apply for TN Promise will be the first person in their family to attend college and the support of a local volunteer helps ease some of the unknown. Mentors remind students of important deadlines, serve as a trusted college resource, and, most importantly, encourage students to reach their full potential.
“As the first person in my family to go to college, I understand the intimidation often associated with attending college,” said tnAchieves Executive Director Krissy DeAlejandro. “I had an incredible support system but it was brand new to all of us. Having someone to walk with you through this journey and encourage you along the way can really provide the sense of confidence our students need. Mentors are the heart of the tnAchieves program.”
Mentors are only asked to give one hour of their time per month. Each mentor attends a mandatory training and then two, one hour meetings with their assigned students over the course of the year. The time commitment is small, but the impact can be life changing for a first generation college student.
The deadline to apply as a mentor to work with the TN Promise Class of 2019 is November 30th. Interested volunteers can learn more and apply at: www.tnachieves.org/mentors/apply.
“Our mentors recognize that the college going process can be overwhelming,” said tnAchieves Deputy Director of Outreach, Graham Thomas. “Admissions, financial aid, class registration and the entire process can be challenging to navigate. To have a cheerleader in the background saying, ‘We can do this together,’ can be the difference maker for our students.”
Launched in 2008, tnAchieves is a privately-funded scholarship and mentoring program that seeks to provide an opportunity for every Tennessee student to earn a post-secondary degree.
For information on tnAchieves, contact Graham Thomas at 615.604.1306 or graham@tnachieves.org.
Original Story:
tnAchieves serves as the partnering organization to the TN Promise scholarship, providing each student a volunteer mentor that helps guide them through the college going process. TN Promise allows any graduating high school senior the opportunity to attend a local community or technical college tuition free. Mentors ensure students meet important deadlines, serve as a trusted college resource and, most importantly, encourage students to reach their full potential. The time commitment is small, only one hour per month, however, the impact can be life changing for a first generation college student. You will attend a training that will prepare you for your role, and tnAchieves will provide resources to ensure you are successful! The deadline to apply as a mentor is November 30!
Get started by completing an application at www.tnAchieves.org/mentors/
