Calling all Mentors

Published: 8/3/2009 9:00:00 AM

Quality education changes lives; educated citizens change communities. As head of KCDC, I’m very aware that strong educational systems build strong communities. For some members of our community, attending college seems like an unreachable goal – something for “other folks but not for me.”

Quality education changes lives; educated citizens change communities. As head of KCDC, I’m very aware that strong educational systems build strong communities.

For some members of our community, attending college seems like an unreachable goal – something for “other folks but not for me.”

KnoxAchieves is a program working to change that perception by providing an opportunity for 500 Knox County public high school graduates to receive up to $2,000 for community college tuition. It targets students who are the first in their families to go to college and those with financial need.

The program includes an interesting and valuable component – mentors who serve as encouragers to students and help guide them through the application process. For many young people, having someone by their side through this daunting process could very well be the difference in whether or not they make it through.

Mentors are assigned to a specific high school, where they work with 3-5 students. Mentoring includes attendance at mandatory training sessions and meeting with students at least once a month beginning in December.

If you’ve been looking for a way to make a difference in our community, serving as a KnoxAchieves mentor is an excellent opportunity to do so.

For more information, visit www.knoxachieves.org or call 865-215-4754.


KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.