With only a little more than two weeks before the November 30 deadline, tnAchieves still needs almost 2,500 volunteer mentors across the state to support TN Promise students. Locally, Carter County still needs 33 volunteers to ensure each scholarship applicant is paired with a local support system.

Mentors spend one hour a month assisting students as they transition from high school to college. They remind students of important deadlines, serve as a trusted college resource and, most importantly, encourage students to reach their full potential.

Local Carter County mentor, Christopher Hitechew, said this about his experience in the role, “My advice to someone considering being a mentor would be, ‘give it a try, don’t get discouraged and wait for the harvest of your efforts.’ One hour a month from someone that cares can make all the difference. For some students, you are their only ‘encourager!”

TN Promise, in partnership with tnAchieves, allows every graduating high school senior the opportunity to attend a community or technical college, as well as several universities, tuition free with mentor support. Many of the students that apply for the scholarship will be the first in their family to attend college and mentors work with students to overcome barriers that previously prevented students from accessing higher education.

Since the launch of TN Promise in 2014, economically disadvantaged students are 17 percent more likely to go to college and students participating in the program are graduating at rates higher than their non-TN Promise peers. “Education needs community support and buy in to thrive,” says Krissy DeAlejandro, tnAchieves Executive Director. “tnAchieves launched in one community 10 years ago and spread across the state because it had the support of community leaders. We are not recruiting college experts. We are asking people who value education to serve as student cheerleaders.”

Potential mentors must be 21 years of age, are subject to a background check and complete a one-hour training. For more information, or to apply, you can visit www.tnachieves.org or contact tnAchieves Deputy Director of Outreach Graham Thomas at (615) 604-1306 or graham@tnachieves.org.