SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — The deadline to become a tnAchieves mentor is this Friday, October 21. In Shelby County, the program still needs more than 400 volunteers.
A Shelby County mother volunteers and is encouraging others to join her.
Janice Goldthreate is a mother of two daughters and a mentor to many.
“I started as a mentor with the class of 2016 because my oldest daughter was a student,” said Goldthreate. “I wanted to just get more information about this scholarship opportunity for her benefit."
At the time, Goldthreate’s oldest daughter was one of thousands of Tennessee Promise students. That’s a statewide program that gives state students a chance to attend a state community or technical college, tuition-free.
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“We're the only state in the nation that has a scholarship like this," said Chasity Roberson with tnAchieves. “Our responsibility is to help them get to college. We ask our mentors to really step in and help out in that space."
While helping her daughter adjust to life on campus, Goldthreate was inspired to help other students through the tnAchieves mentorship program.
“I've always enjoyed supporting the school working with students,” said Goldthreate. “This was just a new way that I could do it. This mentoring opportunity was like a natural next step for me."
For the last six years, she's done just that in Shelby County, Tennessee's largest school district. According to Roberson, the need is great.
“Majority of our students are first generation students," said Roberson. “Navigating the higher education space can be difficult and challenging for any student.”
It's tough but very possible. Through support, encouragement, and hard work, several of Goldthreate’s mentees did graduate from college. She’s attended several graduations with their families.
“I don't know who screamed louder, me or the families," said Goldthreate. “Just being invited to be there and to witness that is a huge reward, huge reward."
The time commitment for the program is just one hour a month. Goldthreate believes it can make a lasting impact.
“Please don't be afraid to mentor," she said. “Mentoring is like fine wine. It just gets better with time. It gets better and easier with time,” said Goldthreate.
If you want to volunteer as a mentor, you must be:
- At least 21
- Pass a background check
- Complete a 40 minute training session
You can find the application online.