TN Promise scholarship program in need of volunteer mentors

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) – With thousands of students applying for the TN Promise program across the state, tnAchieves – the organization that operates the program – is recruiting 9,000 volunteers to serve as mentors.

Despite TN Promise being a financial aid program, the volunteer mentor component of the program is often overlooked.  Working with a small group of anywhere from three to seven students as they transition from high school to college, mentors send reminders of important deadlines, serve as a trusted college resource, and encourage students to reach their full potential.  All mentors complete a one-hour training in person or online, and attend two one-hour meetings with their students over the course of the year.

Montgomery County needs 280 mentors, and at the time of this writing, only 24 have applied. Other counties in the region have needs, as well.  Houston County needs nine volunteers, with zero applicants at the time of this writing, while Stewart County needs 19 with zero applicants at the time of writing.

“While TN Promise funding is important, our mentors represent the heart of our program,” said tnAchieves Executive Director Krissy DeAlejandro.  “Providing a complete wraparound support system for our students, both financially and emotionally, is the key to their success.  It is also part of the broader culture change that we are working on in Tennessee.”

Current tnAchieves mentors indicate that they only spend about one hour per month in their volunteer role.  “It is a small time commitment but we know the impact mentors are having on their students is significant,” said tnAchieves Deputy Director of Partnerships Graham Thomas.  “Anyone in the community that has one hour a month, thinks education is important, and wants to work with students can make a lasting impact both locally and for our state with this program.”

TN Promise provides every high school senior the opportunity to attend a community or technical college tuition free.  The scholarship application is available for students beginning their senior year of high school at the TN Promise website.

To learn more about the tnAchieves mentor program or to apply, visit their website.  You can also contact Graham Thomas via phone at (615) 604-1306, or email at graham@tnachieves.org.