Sevier County Economic Development is working with tnAchieves to identify people in Sevier County with a passion for education that are willing to spend a small amount of time to make a life-changing difference in the student’s future.

tnAchieves is a privately funded, nonprofit organization pairing last dollar scholarships with mentor guidance to help high school students access community college. The program began as an economic development initiative helping to ensure an educated workforce by increasing educational opportunities for Tennessee students.  But it is the volunteer mentors that make the difference.

“Our mission is to give students who would not ordinarily have the opportunity a chance to go to college by lifting the burden of cost,” said tnAchieves Executive Director Krissy DeAlejandro. “Our volunteer mentors make a huge difference in helping these students successfully navigate the college access process.”

tnAchieves mentors commit as little as an hour a month, 10-15 hours a year, to encourage and direct students toward the goal of college entrance. Each mentor is assigned 4-5 students from one of the local high schools. Two meetings a year are scheduled at the school, one in January and one in March, for mentors and students to get to know each other and the program requirements.

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