Two Weeks Left: tnAchieves Seeks 1,500 More Mentors for Tennessee Students

With two weeks remaining until the November 20 recruitment deadline, tnAchieves is calling upon community members to register as a mentor in the coming year. More than 1,500 volunteers are still needed statewide, and there remains a significant need in the Upper Cumberland region.

Counties with outstanding need in the Upper Cumberland region include:

Each year, thousands of tnAchieves students raise their hand in search of community support. tnAchieves Mentors provide that support in the form of encouragement, guidance and connections that lead a student from high school directly to a post-secondary institution and career. When students have the chance to work with a mentor, a door is opened to workforce opportunities and economic prosperity.

“My mentor always encourages me to believe in myself and my abilities. Their advice, support, and motivation have meant so much as I prepare for my future. Having someone to talk to and learn from has helped me grow more confident and stay focused on my goals.” – Jemariya, 2026 Student

“Every year, I see what happens when a student has someone in their corner,” said Krissy DeAlejandro, tnAchieves President and CEO. “A mentor’s encouragement can be the reason a student completes an application, meets a deadline or decides that college is for them. We are so close to our goal, and with 1,500 more Tennesseans stepping up, we can make sure no student takes their steps alone.”

What Mentors Do

tnAchieves offers two ways to make a difference: Access mentors and Workforce mentors.

Access mentors serve as a guide and encourager for high school seniors as they transition to community or technical college. They help students stay on track with important TN Promise deadlines, answer questions about the college process, celebrate milestones and remind students that someone believes in their future.

Workforce mentors support college graduates as they take their first steps into a career. They share professional experience, offer advice as graduates navigate the job search and new workplaces, and help them build the confidence to grow in their careers here in Tennessee.

Mentoring requires just one hour per month and is meant to be done at a mentor’s convenience. All mentors receive training and ongoing support from tnAchieves, and no prior experience is needed. It is a meaningful way to give back that fits into even the busiest schedule.

How to Register

The deadline to register is November 20. After registering, new mentors complete mentor training, handbook and the critical resources needed for success.

Those who are interested can learn more and register at tnAchieves.org/mentors.

About tnAchieves

tnAchieves is a Tennessee nonprofit that helps students earn a postsecondary credential and turn it into a meaningful career. Founded as knoxAchieves in Knox County in 2008, tnAchieves became the model for Tennessee Promise. Today it serves students in 67 counties as a partnering organization for the state’s last-dollar scholarship. Its continuum covers three stages: Access in high school, COMPLETE in college and Workforce as students prepare for careers. At each stage, mentors, coaches, completion grants and employer connections reach students when they need them most. To date, 57,767 tnAchieves students have earned a postsecondary credential. The Class of 2022 posted the highest three-year graduation rate in program history. Economic prosperity has always been the goal. Learn more at tnachieves.org.