Representatives with tnAchieves stopped by Greene County on Tuesday as a part of the nonprofit’s Prosperity Tour. It is the organization’s first tour across the state since 2016.
Ben Sterling, the organization’s Chief Content Officer, spoke to a small group of local officials in the lyceum at Walters State Community College Niswonger Campus about the work of the organization in Tennessee and in Greene County.
tnAchieves is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for every Tennessee student to obtain a post-secondary credential. As the nation’s largest college access organization, tnAchieves serves 90% of Tennessee’s high school seniors through the TN Promise scholarship. Additionally, through COMPLETE and Knox Promise, tnAchieves executes its nationally-recognized college coaching program leading to unprecedented increases in college completion.
Sterling said the nonprofit was more than just a collection of programs. He said the organization provided a “student-centered continuum” that drives economic prosperity for Tennessee and its students. The organization guides students through high school, college, and into the workforce.
Ben Sterling
The organization has had a lifetime earnings impact of around $600 million through 780 tnAchieves graduates.
Through the program, community college and technical school graduation rates have increased from 37% in 2018 to 48% in 2022.
The organization leverages volunteer mentors to help guide students through its continuum, and 69 additional mentors are needed in Greene County currently. Mentors include college access mentors and workforce mentors.
Those interested in becoming a mentor in the organization should visit www.tnachieves.org/mentors .
