All students get help to achieve
Considering her day job, it’s fitting that Kaci Murley found her calling in college.
While a student at Christian Brothers University, Murley landed a job helping middle schoolage kids from Mexico who had traveled to CBU for a language skills camp.
“I worked at those camps a couple of summers as activities director,” said Murley, a Memphis native. “That was my first experience working with underserved students.”
After completing her degree, Murley moved to San Jose, Costa Rica, and took a job teaching English. When she returned to the Mid-South a year later, she knew she wanted to build her career in the nonprofit sector — preferably helping students achieve their goals.
That’s how she found her way to tnAchieves, a “last- dollar” scholarship program that operates in 23 counties statewide. Murley coordinates the program in Memphis and Shelby County from a space within Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell’s office.
“In each county where we operate, we offer scholarships to every single public high school senior,” Murley said. “Every
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student is able to apply, no matter their ACT, GPA or income.”
All students who apply receive up to $3,000 in annual funding through tnAchieves to help pay tuition at a Tennessee community college. To continue receiving the funds, students must meet specific requirements.
Among other responsibilities, Murley links participants with mentors who help students stay on track and meet their goals. She takes a hands-on approach to her work.
“There are over 2,000 students in this city that have my personal cellphone number,” she said. “They text and they call, and I enjoy having that direct contact with the students. I’m an open book for our students.”
Tell me about your role with tnAchieves: What is your overriding mission as Memphis/Shelby County coordinator?
I communicate directly with students, parents, mentors and guidance counselors to ensure a successful transition from high school to college. I facilitate team meetings, monitor student academic progress and work with Southwest Tennessee Community College and Tennessee Technology Center at Memphis administrators to ensure student success. Our mission is to increase higher education opportunities for all public high school seniors living in Shelby County by providing last-dollar scholarships with mentor support.
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your work?
The tnAchieves mentor program is not your traditional mentoring experience. It can be challenging explaining to people that you do not have to spend 60 hours a year to make an impact in a youth’s life.
What is your proudest moment so far, career-wise?
Simply put, the position that I am in currently. Although I am not sure if it has happened yet — stay tuned!
What’s your biggest dream for the city?
For Memphis to become a state and national leader in education. And for the Grizzlies to make it to the top in 2013!
What book would you say has made the biggest impact on your life?
Most recently, “Women Who Run With the Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.
What’s the best advice you’ve received, and from whom?
While living in Costa Rica, I learned the meaning of the country’s motto, “pura vida.” This meaning has become my daily mantra — to live life truly, consistently and to its fullest capability.