Advise TN to put college counselors in several West Tenn. schools

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — A new program could send more Tennessee high school students to college. Advise TN puts college counselors in schools across the state.

“I think I’m going to be an electrical engineer,” Kortland Martin, a senior at Humboldt Junior and Senior High School, said.

Martin plans to go to college. Advise TN could help him and other students make that dream a reality.

“Our kids are going to be exposed to some good opportunities,” Humboldt Junior and Senior High School Principal James Walker said.

The nearly $2.5 million state-funded program puts a college adviser at 30 schools across the state, including Humboldt Junior and Senior High School.

Walker said the adviser will help students fill out college applications plus apply for financial aid and scholarships. “Having an extra set of eyes and ears in the building will be invaluable,” he said.

Walker estimated over the last two years less than 50 percent of their graduating seniors went to college. He said a lot of Humboldt students will be the first in their family to continue their education.

“When you don’t have anyone at home that can relate to you in terms of going to college, it’s always good to have somebody at school that you can talk to,” Walker said.

Martin believes the counselor and college will be beneficial. “It’s a long process, but I think it’ll be worth it at the end,” she said.

Walker expects the new counselor to start in mid-October.

Liberty Technology Magnet High School in Jackson along with Dyer County High School and Henry County High School also will get college advisers.

The state said all of the schools are expected to come up with a plan to pay for the program beyond this initial funding.