Want to help Tennessee students succeed? tnAchieves is looking for 9 thousand mentors

Mentoring program tnAchieves opened its 2024 mentor application with a goal to recruit a total of 9,000 mentors.“In 2024, we're ready to confront challenges created by the pandemic and to create opportunities for students. We can't do this alone, though. Mentors are needed across the state to support and encourage local students as we work to reverse negative enrollment trends. tnAchieves stands ready to serve students, but we can't do it without your help!” wrote tnAchieves on their application page.Applicants will have the option to choose their county and high school once they apply. After completing the application, potential mentors will have until November 3, 2023, to complete the training webinar.Mentors are required to commit one hour per month for a year to support seniors that are transitioning from high school to college, investing a total of 12 hours annually. Each mentor will assist eight to ten high school seniors.“tnAchieves mentors help the next generation of Tennessee's workforce pursue a high-quality post-secondary credential after high school and build the skills necessary to access a meaningful career. With just one hour per month, you can support the next generation as they transition into college.”All 2023/2024 mentors will meet with their students in-person at a meeting hosted at the students’ high school. The meeting is mandatory for both mentors and tnAchieves students and will be scheduled to take place in either early December or January, during the school day or in the late afternoon.“We have seen consistently that mentor/mentee relationships are most effective when mentors have the opportunity to establish an initial in-person connection. Taking the time to attend this meeting will help to set mentor/mentee relationships up for success!”The 2024 mentor program will run until October 2024. From February to May, mentors will ensure that students file for the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They will also continue to work with their students.From May to August, mentors will also assist with ensuring students follow the steps to successfully enroll in college, which include submitting their eight hours of community service.tnAchieves is a mentoring program that partners with the Tennessee Promise Scholarship in 83 of the 95 counties in Tennessee. Its goal is to increase higher education opportunities for Tennessee high school students by providing last-dollar scholarships with mentor guidance.The application will be open until October 20,^, 2023.