tnAchieves needs 5,000 volunteer mentors by November 15, 2024 to meet student demand. tnAchieves is kicking off its annual mentor recruitment effort by highlighting past successes and future optimism for this critical volunteer role.
tnAchieves mentors work with students who asked for the opportunity to connect with a volunteer mentor. Each volunteer mentor serves a smaller group of 2-3 high school seniors who are engaged and invested in the local support that a mentor provides.
“2024 was a year of strong connections and meaningful outcomes for tnAchieves mentors,” said tnAchieves Senior Director of Mentors Tyler Ford. “Students choosing to work with a mentor benefitted greatly from the local nudges and encouragement that a mentor provides, completing key TN Promise requirements at a rate 20 percentage points higher than their peers. Local support makes an impact!”
While the TN Promise scholarship ensures that every Tennessee high school senior has the opportunity to attend community or technical college tuition and mandatory fee-free, tnAchieves provides all students with critical non-financial support as they transition from high school to college. tnAchieves mentors help students navigate the college-going process, provide important deadline reminders and most importantly encourage students to make the leap to college as many students are the first in their families to attend college.
Whether a mentor gives back to support students, break family cycles, reverse negative enrollment trends or prepare tomorrow's workforce, tnAchieves mentorship is an opportunity to invest in the community.
“I met with my assigned students, and they shared incredible stories. It warms my heart to be a support system for the next generation of college students,” said Amber, a Cumberland County mentor. “As a first-generation college student myself, tnAchieves helped me on my journey to a degree. I am honored to have the opportunity now to help students as a tnAchieves mentor on their path to a successful future!”
In 2025, mentors commit just one hour per month at the high school of their choosing. tnAchieves provides a brief orientation, handbook and weekly guidance to all volunteers. tnAchieves mentorship does not require extensive college-going experience. Anyone willing to invest in their community and support students can serve as an effective support for students.
Those interested can visit https://tnAchieves.org/mentors to complete the brief registration form and begin their journey as a mentor!
tnAchieves is a 501©3 nonprofit that has been providing scholarships with mentor support since 2008. Any interview requests or questions can be directed to Tyler Ford at tyler@tnAchieves.org or (309) 945-3446.
