News

Local Mentors Needed for TN Promise Students

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By: Kimary Clelland - Reporter
Updated: September 7, 2017

A volunteer mentor can make a significant difference for students new to college, and it only takes about one hour each month.

Transitioning from high school to college can be overwhelming, especially for students who are first generation attendees.

Last year, Jefferson County High School (JCHS) teacher’s aide Sherry Carr volunteered to be a mentor for TN Promise students.

“One thing I notice from the students I mentor is that they have a busy schedule and it is my duty to take that extra step to keep them on task. Students must keep up the grades, attend meetings, and do eight hours of community work when they enroll in 12 hours or more of classes.”

Carr agrees that Governor Bill Haslam’s TN Promise program is a great opportunity for every high school senior to attend community college or technical school for free.

Jefferson County needs 77 mentors for TN Promise applicants this year. What does it take to be a mentor for the program?

The deadline is December 1, 2017. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

They are not required to have a college degree. The program requires applicants to have a background check.

Applicants must be available to attend training by February 15, 2018, and they will assist between five to 10 high school seniors online or by phone contact.

“The mentoring program encourages colleges to focus on retention,” explains JCHS Vice Principal John Cagle. “Our school has such programs in place to help students navigate challenges such as admissions and financial aid. This mentoring (called tnAchieves) backs up the JCHS programs.”

Over 45 percent of high school students in Jefferson County applying for TN Promise scholarships are first generation college attendees. Enrollment in the state’s community and technical colleges increased by close to 20 percent in the first three years of TN Promise.

“Mentors … encourage students to reach their full potential,” comments tnAchieves Deputy Director of Engagement and Partnership Graham Thomas.

The TN Promise application process for the graduating class of 2018 begins this month and runs through November 1, 2017.

Carr says it doesn’t take much time to be a mentor. “Just a text or an e-mail lets students know that you care about them.”

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