January is National Mentoring Month!

During National Mentoring Month, we thank the nearly 500 men and women who mentor more than 1,100 students from 67 of our schools!

In Gwinnett County Public Schools, we believe in the Power of One… one caring adult can change a child’s life. While school counselors, teachers, and family members all play a role in keeping students in school and learning, the involvement of a mentor can make a meaningful difference.

Studies show mentors can play a powerful role in providing young people with the tools they need to make responsible choices, attend and engage in school, and reduce or avoid risky behaviors. In turn, these young people are:

55% more likely to be enrolled in college;
81% more likely to participate in sports or extracurricular activities;
78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities; and
More than twice as likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team.

Research also shows that 9 million young people in the United States will grow up without a mentor.

With the support of community members and GCPS employees, the district’s Community-Based Mentoring program is building on the Power of One to mentor hundreds of students, providing guidance, encouragement, and support to help them reach their potential, both in and out of school. While our focus is on teaching and learning, we know that many things beyond the curriculum can have an impact on how we teach and our students learn, including building relationships with trusted adults.

The district launched the program in 2009 to provide community-based mentoring services to identified African-American boys in middle school. Over time, the program has grown to include on-site mentoring services at local schools as well as mentoring services for African-American girls, and most recently, Hispanic boys and girls. Click here for a quick overview of how the program has grown for students.

We are one program with three priorities. Each day, we endeavor to fulfill the mission of the Community-Based Mentoring Program, which is to provide mentoring services to identified students to enhance their social and academic development, resulting in our students becoming successful and responsible young adults.

In Gwinnett, mentors and mentees take part in one-on-one and small-group activities and district activities such as Life Lesson Workshops, a virtual job shadowing experience, field trips, STEM summer camp, and sessions on dual enrollment, financial literacy, social media, and self-esteem. An annual Career Summit provides networking opportunities with more than 25 business and community organizations. The program also provides workshops and meetings for parents and guardians. A number of activities— including college visits, application support, and help with scholarship resources— promote a college-going culture and place an emphasis on graduation.

You can support the Gwinnett County Public Schools Community-Based Mentoring Program by:

Volunteering to be a mentor.
Making a one-time or annual financial contribution to support programs and events. (Use the pull-down menu under Gift Designation to select a priority.)
Sharing this information with other individuals who believe that collaboration between schools and communities is key to the success of our students.

So, could you be the one?

GCPS’ Community-Based Mentoring Program pairs caring adults with young people who can benefit from additional support and guidance to ensure they are on track for success in school and life. To become a mentor in the program, you must be 21 or older, able to commit to a minimum of one year as a mentor, and complete a background check and an application. Mentors and their mentees make weekly contact and participate together in one-on-one sessions, group activities, and special events.

If you’re ready to learn more about how you can be the one adult who makes a difference for one of our students, consider attending an upcoming training session for prospective mentors. Upcoming sessions are planned for Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6:30 p.m., and Thursday, March 26, at 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The sessions will be held at the Community-Based Mentoring Program offices at Buice Center, located at 1225 Northbrook Parkway in Suwanee.

Join us and be the someone who makes a difference!

Contact a Mentoring Program director with your questions: