County News

Montgomery County Seeks Mentors for Tennessee Promise

Montgomery County Government is seeking community volunteers to mentor students taking part in the Tennessee Promise program. Tennessee Promise allows any Tennessee high school graduate the opportunity to attend a community college or Tennessee College of Applied Technology, tuition free. Mentors are assigned to students within their county and help students eliminate the barriers of accessing post-secondary education.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett states, "In 2011, only 32% of individuals in Tennessee, age 25-64, had a college degree. Unfortunately, this ranks us near the bottom nationally. Tennessee Promise is an incredible opportunity for today's high school graduates! With the help of our community stepping up as mentors, we can turn those numbers around." He continues, "We already have approximately 200 students that are planning to utilize this program for college, but they cannot do so without the required mentors, and we currently don't have enough mentors signed up. We all have 10-15 hours a year to spare, I encourage you to use it to help a student and sign up to mentor today!"

Mentors must be 21 years or older and willing to invest 10-15 hours annually assisting five to ten high school seniors with post secondary success. Mentors are not asked to assist with school work, only to help students meet program deadlines and requirements. All mentors are subject to a minimum background check. Mentors must apply online at www.tnachieves.org by November 1.

For more information on Tennessee Promise, visit www.tnpromise.gov.