Bright Futures Blog: Right Place, Right Time: How Mentorship and Initiative Opened Doors for Rayder

At Public Education Foundation (PEF), we believe that opportunity can change a life—but sometimes, it takes the right mentor to help connect the dots.

Rayder Yoc and his CAM Donna Taheri

Rayder Yoc, a 2020 graduate of East Ridge High School, first crossed paths with Donna in 2023 while working in the front office at The Howard School. During their conversation, Donna learned about Rayder’s passion for Information Technology and Data Analytics. In high school, he had been a finalist for a competitive tech-pathway program, but unfortunately, work visa challenges prevented him from participating. Recognizing his potential, Donna stayed in touch, keeping an eye out for opportunities that aligned with his interests.

That’s when she came across the Chattanooga Tech Accelerator, a brand-new, six-week professional IT training program offering hands-on learning, a $500 weekly stipend, and a guaranteed job interview in Data Analytics. It was the perfect fit for Rayder—but there was just one problem: Donna discovered it on the last day of the application window.

Without hesitation, she sent the information to Rayder, who wasted no time submitting his application. The competition was fierce, with only a small group of students selected, but Rayder earned his spot in the program.

Rayder Yoc (first row, Alaska sweatshirt) is shown with his Chattanooga Tech Accelerator cohort.

This story is a testament to the power of mentorship! Kudos to Donna Taheri for her dedication, and kudos to Rayder for taking the leap!

At PEF, our College Advancement Mentors (CAMs) are working every day to connect students with meaningful opportunities—whether it's college, career training, or other postsecondary pathways. We know there are numerous routes to success, which is why our CAMs focus on building real relationships with students. By getting to know their interests, strengths, and challenges, our mentors can provide personalized guidance and connect students with best-fit opportunities that align with their goals. Like Donna, they’re committed to guiding students through challenges, cheering them on, and making sure they have the support they need to take the next step toward their future. We’re proud to have a team that believes in students, just like we believe in Rayder!