TnAchieves is holding a reception for prospective mentors for the 2013 school year on Tuesday, August 14th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Kimmons Wilson room at the Holiday Inn & Suites Wolfchase Galleria. At this informal session, tnAchieves staff and current mentors will talk about the simple ways that anyone can get involved in sending students to college. TnAchieves is a last dollar scholarship and mentoring program designed to provide an opportunity for Tennessee public high school graduates to receive up to $3,000 annually for community college tuition. Locally, Memphis/Shelby Achieves is a joint program sponsored by the offices of Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, Jr. and Memphis City Mayor A C Wharton, Jr.
“This is a specialized kind of mentoring. We’re not talking about spending a great number of hours building lifelong relationships. Our students receive focused advice from people who have had the experience of higher education. This is a small time commitment which can make a big impact in the life of a student who is hesitant or nervous about pursuing a college education,” says Memphis/Shelby Coordinator for tnAchieves.
Who can become a tnAchieves mentor?
•Any individual who wants to invest 10-15 hours annually assisting five high school seniors with post-secondary success
•Must be 21 years or older
•Subject to a background check
Unique components of tnAchieves:
•Local funders donate to provide a college education for students who would otherwise lack the opportunity.
•Volunteers serve as mentors to students to eliminate barriers associated with college access and success.
•tnAchieves Scholars “give back” eight hours of community service per semester they receive the scholarship.
For more information, visit www.tnachieves.org or contact Kaci Murley at 901.258.2177 or kaci@tnachieves.org .
