Adults looking to give back to the community now have a way to pitch in, volunteering a minimal amount of time that will have long-lasting benefits for the students they are helping.
The Tennessee Promise Mentor Program is in need of 27 more mentors to help guide students into the college world through the state program that provides every Tennessee high school graduate two years for free college regardless of income or GPA.
“It’s like a second start,” said Warren County School Board member and registered mentor Bill Zechman, noting the student is guaranteed two years of free college education provided they maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. They can be admitted regardless of ACT or high school GPA. “For many of these students, this will be the first time anyone in their family has gone to college.”
Zechman, who signed on to mentor five students, says the clock is ticking as both students and mentors must be registered for the program by Nov. 1. After that date, it will be too late for this coming school year. At present, 379 Warren County High School seniors have registered for the Tennessee Promise Program, leaving just a handful left before there is 100 percent participation.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity both for students to get a high education and for people to do a great service for their community by mentoring these students,” Zechman said.
Involvement in the program is as easy as registering online at tnachieves.org or by calling the high school to get more information.
“It’s part cheerleader and part helping file papers,” Zechman said, noting persons helping as mentors do not have to have a college degree. “You have a background check and then go to a couple of short meetings and that’s it.”
There is a mentor link on the main page of the tnAchieves website. The following is a breakdown of how one becomes a tnAchieves mentor as listed on the website:
Who can become a tnAchieves Mentor?
• Any individual who wants to invest 10-15 hours annually assisting five to 10 high school seniors with post-secondary success
•Must be 21 years or older
• Subject to a background check
To become a tnAchieves mentor, you must:
• Apply online by Nov. 1
• Complete mandatory mentor training by Dec. 15
• Attend mandatory January team meeting
• Attend mandatory March team meeting
An effective mentor:
• Makes initial contact with students before January team meeting
• Reaches out to parents/ guardians if possible
• Reminds students of all meetings and deadlines
• Attends January and March team meetings
• Encourages students to reach their potential
• Plays an active role in eliminating barriers associated with post-secondary access and success
• Assists students with community service opportunities
• Lessens the post-secondary intimidation factor by sharing personal experiences.
