The first day of classes welcomed over 8,000 new students to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on a warm, cheery August day. The campus was picturesque as students were eager to begin their classes and meet their friends for lunch. Among them were the UT Promise Scholars, a small class of students who receive the UT Promise Scholarship.

To celebrate the new cohort of Promise Scholars, the UT System and the Division of Student Success hosted an inaugural reception the first afternoon of the academic year. Students were invited to meet other UT Promise Scholars and browse informational tables featuring resources on campus.

The UT Promise Scholarship is an undergraduate scholarship awarding last-dollar coverage of tuition costs and mandatory fees to qualifying students after other financial aid is applied. To remain eligible for the scholarship, students must receive the HOPE scholarship, complete community service each semester, and meet with an assigned UT Promise mentor.

The students wearing Tennessee orange resembled the bright morning sun that dawned their academic journeys at UT. Vice Provost for Student Success Amber Williams ensured students were recognized by meeting them one-by-one to learn their names, goals, and how their first day of classes went. UT Promise Scholars are already involved with their campus by attending the reception, and here they were continuing to build community with each other.

Vice President of Academic Affairs, Research, and Student Success Dr. Bernie Savarese greeted the students with encouragement. “We’re so proud of you and what you’ve done so far,” he said. His hope for these students is that they achieve their aspirations. “We want you to do something that will better Knoxville. That will make you a better Vol.” The UT Promise Scholarship program values connection as well, which is why UT Promise Scholars are required to meet with a mentor three times a semester. The goal is to connect students with a mentor who will support them in their collegiate journey by helping them navigate the college environment and preparing them for the transition from college to career.

Brooke, a second-year psychology major and second-time recipient of the Promise Scholarship, stated the mentorship can be a positive professional relationship for students. The UT Promise team prioritizes rematching students with the same mentor each year, UT System Director of Student Success Leigh Morales assured a first-year recipient.

The two components of the scholarship program are community service and mentorships. These pillars of the Promise Scholarship foster deep connections and broad appreciation for the Tennessee community. Brooke said the program allows her to embrace what being a Vol means to her. “To me, the program is about the importance of volunteering. That makes sense because we’re Volunteers.”

Kiana, a psychology major from Anderson County, is excited to participate in football cleanups after the fall games for her community service.

“Basically, what we would do is go in after the games around 10 p.m. and package up the all the food and bring it to the pantry so people can eat the leftovers, and it doesn’t go to waste.”

Some UT Promise Scholars do not know what they want to do for their community service, but they’re excited to get involved in campus life. The UT Promise Scholarship gives students the opportunity to attend UT when they might not have been able to without it.

Raven, a first-year psychology major from Memphis, travelled across the state to attend UT. “Something I’m excited about is going to all the games. I never went to any sports games, especially in high school, but I’m trying to put myself out there and go,” she said.

The UT System and the Division of Student Success are truly helping students put their best foot forward as the year begins. Students left the reception with a plethora of knowledge and support as they embark on their success stories. The flagship campus envisioned the reception as a warm welcome for UT Promise Scholars and as a stepping stone for their futures at UT.