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tnAchieves has exceeded its 2025 goal of recruiting 5,000 volunteer mentors, with more than 5,350 Tennesseans stepping up to support students transitioning from high school to college and, eventually, a career. Carter County is among the communities benefiting from this statewide initiative, with only two more mentors still needed to ensure local students receive the personalized support they need.

“We are so grateful for the thousands of volunteers who have stepped up and answered the call to serve students,” said tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. “I am constantly amazed by the community-first mindset of individuals across Tennessee and the selfless nature of our volunteers. tnAchieves mentors represent a crucial local connection for our students and program. As we begin our work with the Class of 2025, we are set up for success thanks to the more than 5,350 individuals committed to serving as a tnAchieves mentor.”

Mentors play a vital role in supporting students by guiding small groups of 2-3 individuals in topics such as college preparation, career exploration, and life skills. The commitment is minimal – just one hour per month – yet the impact is profound, helping students achieve post-secondary credentials.

“While we have met our statewide goal, there does remain a need for mentors in several counties across the state,” said tnAchieves Vice President of External Partnerships Tyler Ford. “When we meet our goal in individual counties, we ensure that every local student can receive high-impact, personal support in the college-going process.”

Carter County currently needs two additional mentors to ensure every student has access to this invaluable resource. Those interested in volunteering can still register, as the deadline has been extended to this Friday, Nov. 22. Volunteers can choose the county and high school they wish to serve.

Counties with outstanding mentor needs include:

• Carter County: 2 mentors needed
• Greene County: 2 mentors needed
• Washington County: 7 mentors needed
• Sullivan County: 10 mentors needed
• (Full list of counties with needs available at tnAchieves.org)

To register as a mentor, visit tnAchieves.org/mentors.

tnAchieves is a privately funded scholarship and mentoring program that seeks to provide every Tennessee student the opportunity to earn a post-secondary degree. For questions, contact Tyler Ford at (309) 945-3446 or tyler@tnAchieves.org.