TENNESSEE, USA — Mentors still needed: tnAchieves is extending the deadline as several counties in Tennessee are still in need of volunteer student mentors for their program.
tnAchieves is hard at work to recruit 2,000 more mentors by October 27, 2023. 418 are still needed in Shelby County.
According to tnAchieves, volunteer mentors commit one hour a month to offer encouragement, support and guidance to students to help them navigate their goals after high school. There's a change this year, in that mentors will work with students who asked for a mentor. Those students will have learned about the program and its benefits.
The program said mentors do not need extensive knowledge of the college-going process and will receive comprehensive training and a handbook guide to the program. Mentors meet their students in December or January at the student’s high school, and choose which county and high school they would like to serve. Each mentor is expected to work with one to five students.
“When this goal is met, we ensure that each TN Promise student has local support and guidance as they navigate the college-going process," said tnAchieves Senior Director of Mentors Tyler Ford. "For many students, the simple act of encouragement during this transition makes a lasting impact. Volunteering as a mentor is a great way to ensure every local student has that critical support system in place.”
Those interested in applying or learning more can visit the tnAcheives website.