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As Carter County strives to bolster its educational resources, a critical need for 39 more volunteer mentors remains to meet the local goal of 68 mentors. tnAchieves, a nonprofit organization focused on providing scholarships with mentor support, is spearheading the initiative.

“The need for volunteer mentors is immediate and the opportunity is significant,” emphasized Tyler Ford, Senior Director of Mentors at tnAchieves. “Mentorship clears a path for students to access a post-secondary credential. It opens doors to opportunities and career connections that benefit the student, their family, and the community. Anyone invested in the success of local students and the growth of our workforce can make an impact as a tnAchieves mentor!”

To learn more about what it means to be a tnAchieves mentor, interested individuals can review a one-page guide outlining the role. The commitment of mentorship requires just one hour per month, and comprehensive training is provided, including weekly support throughout each mentor’s work with students.

Krissy DeAlejandro, President and CEO of tnAchieves, emphasized the organization’s long-standing commitment to recruiting community mentors. “Since tnAchieves’ beginning 15 years ago, we have recruited community mentors to serve our students,” she stated. “We continue to recruit 8,000 mentors each year, as we have seen firsthand the power that local mentorship provides. Mentors offer value not just in helping students navigate the college-going process but also in understanding their path to the workforce. With a significant need for mentors during this final week, we are calling on Tennesseans to stand with students by registering as a tnAchieves mentor!”

Mentors who participate in the program must be at least 21 years of age and are subject to a background check. tnAchieves, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been providing scholarships with mentor support since 2008.

Those who are interested in making a difference through mentoring can visit https://www.tnachieves.org/mentors/apply. The deadline for applications is this Friday, October 20. For any interview requests or questions, please contact Tyler Ford at tyler@tnAchieves.org or (309) 945-3446.