TN Promise mentors wanted for new college students

The state program, tnAchieves is looking for 5,000 volunteers across the state to support high school seniors and Tennessee Promise applicants. Hamilton County is looking for 209 mentors. Other counties in the region also need dozens of mentors.

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

“The financial support that TN Promise provides students is critical, but we know that the support from a local mentor is equally important to student success,” said Krissy DeAlejandro, tnAchieves executive director, in a news release. “TN Promise students are graduating at a rate 21 percentage points higher than their non-TN Promise peers at the same institutions. The guidance and encouragement students receive from a mentor cannot be understated — they are the difference maker for many of our TN Promise students.”

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.

Potential mentors must be 21 years of age, undergo a background check and complete onehour of training.

For more information or to apply, visit www. tnachieves.org or call 615-604-1306.