State parks and natural areas across the state plan to offer volunteer events on Saturday, July 23, to help students attending college on the Tennessee Promise scholarship to log the community service hours required to keep their scholarship.
Photo courtesy TDEC: Tennessee Promise scholars volunteering at Radnor Lake State Park in April 2016
“TN Promise Saturday is a way for our parks to connect students to the outdoor opportunities available here in Tennessee while supporting their academic goals,” said Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Conservation Brock Hill. “We’re excited to get as many students as possible outdoors and involved in hands-on activities.”
Volunteer events will take place at all 56 Tennessee State Parks, ranging from clearing brush, limbs, and invasive plants; to planting flowers; building trails; assisting with community events; and maintaining historic features. The projects are designed not only to benefit students with volunteer hours and meaningful experiences, but also help beautify the state’s parks and natural areas.
“tnAchieves is grateful for Tennessee State Parks and Natural Areas for its efforts to ensure TN Promise students cultivate a culture of giving back to their communities,” said Krissy DeAlegandro, executive director of tnAchieves. “This is another great example of how all Tennesseans are aligning for increased student success.”
Tennessee Promise is one of Gov. Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55 initiatives, aiming to increase the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary credential to 55 percent by 2025. The scholarship offers tuition-free community and technical college to recent high school graduates. All students attending school on Tennessee Promise this fall must complete eight hours of community service by August 1.
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