Sevier County Needs Mentors for Tennessee Promise Students

As high school seniors across the state are submitting their applications for the Tennessee Promise program by the Nov. 2 deadline, there is a need for mentors across the state, including here in Sevier County.

Tennessee Promise ensures that the state’s high school graduates have tuition-free access to two years of community or technical college. Mentoring is a vital part of the program.

As a partnering organization to Governor Haslam’s Tennessee Promise, tnAchieves guides students across the state through the transition from high school to college. Our mentors play a critical role in the success of students across the state of Tennessee as they serve as a resource, share their own experiences and offer encouragement and support.

Our data confirms that working with a mentor increases the likelihood that a student will pursue a post-secondary experience. In fact, UT’s Center for Business and Economic Research found that students participating with tnAchieves are nearly 21 percent more likely to enter college. We need you!

What will you do as a tnAchieves mentor for Tennessee Promise Students?

1. Complete an application
2. Choose a preferred high school
3. Complete a one-hour training session
4. Attend two one-hour meetings with your students
5. Communicate with students every two weeks via email, phone or text as they transition from high school to college

You’ll invest 10-15 hours annually assisting 5-10 high school seniors. In fact, tnAchieves mentors tell us they spend less than ONE hour per month serving as a resource to our scholars. The role is simple but significant, as our mentors help our students reach their potential. tnAchieves designed its mentoring program so even the busiest executive, parent, or young professional can make a meaningful impact. If you do not have experience working in education, do not worry! We will train you to work with our students.

In Sevier County tnAchieves still needs 83 mentors to ensure that every Tennessee Promise student receives a mentor. Join tnAchieves as we seek to change lives and transform communities! All you have to do is to go www.tnachieves.org/mentor-application and fill out an application.

Mentors must be 21 years of age or older. Anyone interested in mentoring must apply by Nov. 20, 2015.