UT Promise

The UT Promise Scholarship is an undergraduate program guaranteeing free mandatory class fees for qualifying Tennessee residents attending UT's campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin, Memphis and Pulaski. Launched Fall 2020, this innovative scholarship will cover a student's last-dollar amount of mandatory class fees after other financial aid is applied (such as the Federal Pell Grant, TN HOPE Scholarship, TN TSAA Award and/or other institutional scholarships) to students who qualify for the TN HOPE Scholarship and whose family's Adjusted Gross Income is under $75,000 and whose family's total assets are under $75,000 (both determined by the FAFSA).

The UT Promise Scholarship guarantees a minimum $500 award, per semester, for qualifying students. The minimum award may be reduced, as needed, to keep a student within their total allowable in aid for any given semester.

For more information, including application steps, requirements and deadlines, visit the UT Promise web site.

Community Service Definition and Guidelines

Community Service is the hands-on time spent engaging in action to meet the needs of others to improve, support and enhance the UTC or surrounding communities as a whole, helping to foster social change. UT Promise students are required to complete 8 hours of community service each semester to remain eligible for UT Promise. Volunteer activities must meet all three of the following criteria to count toward your community service hours for UT Promise:

1. Meet a community need that directly benefits the larger public or external community beyond your campus;
2. Be offered through organizations such as a nonprofit, government agency, not-for-profit school, mutual aid organization, not-for-profit healthcare organization or campus-approved projects;
3. Be non-compensated.

Submitting your Community Service through Give Pulse

To be eligible for Fall UT Promise funding, the community service hours must be completed between Dec 2 and June 1, then must be submitted by June 1;

To be eligible for Spring UT Promise funding, the community service hours must be completed between June 2 and Dec 1, then must be submitted by Dec 1.

Click here to for Instructions on How To Submit your Service Hours!

Service Agencies, Campus Organizations, and Events

The below link contains a list of opportunities where volunteers are frequently needed. These agencies and organizations rely on the continuous involvement of community members. Students are reminded that they are always representing UTC while volunteering, regardless of location. Students are encouraged to learn/touch base with the site before volunteering to be aware of expectations (i.e. completing an application, dress code, etc.) and to determine if it is an appropriate fit.

Click here to view UTC Community Service Agencies, Campus Events and Organizations List

Any specific questions regarding the community service definition (i.e. what activity, events, or initiatives meet the above regulations), opportunities, or the Give Pulse app itself should be directed to the UTC Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships ([email protected]).

Mentoring Definition and Guidelines

Mentorship is a supportive, goal-oriented relationship between a student and a mentor designed to foster academic success, personal growth, and career readiness. Through regular engagement, mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and access to campus and community resources so they can build confidence and fulfill their potential.  

UT Promise students commit to fostering mentorship relationships as part of their scholarship experience.  

While mentorship programming may vary by campus, all UT Promise students—regardless of location—are required to demonstrate mentorship engagement each semester to maintain eligibility. To meet this systemwide requirement, students must report mentor meetings each semester. We strongly encourage students to meet with their mentors frequently and report each meeting. A recommended cadence might look like this: 

• An initial meeting for relationship-building and goal setting
• A mid-semester check-in to address progress and challenges
• An end-of-semester reflection and planning session 

Students who do not report any mentor meeting become ineligible for UT Promise.  

How to get connected with a mentor?

Your mentor should be someone affiliated with UTC who can support your college journey. Mentors often serve as your go-to resource when you need help, and they make you feel more connected/supported on campus. Students often participate in formal mentoring programs on campus, seek out a faculty member to serve as a mentor, or connect with a staff member (professional full-time staff or student employee, like an R.A.) who they have connected with. Students who participate in organizations or learning communities might connect with the individuals coordinating those groups. In general, as along as the person is affiliated with UTC and agrees to be your mentor, you have your UT Promise mentor for the year. 

If you need help finding a mentor, please let us know ([email protected]) and we can work with you to find a mentor.

Where should I report mentor meetings?

Report all mentorship meetings by submitting the UT Promise: Report a Mentor Meeting. Note, this form is for use for fall 2025 only. 

We encourage students to complete this form throughout the semester for each mentor meeting completed. When you submit a mentor meeting, your mentor will be prompted to confirm the interaction. Once they confirm, your mentor meeting will be recorded. UT Promise mentor meetings must be submitted within 30 days of the meeting.  

Other Questions?

Any specific questions regarding mentoring part of UT Promise should be directed to the UTC Office of Student Success Programs ([email protected]).