Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) and the district’s Community-Based Mentoring Program celebrate National Mentoring Month during the month of January.
GCPS is committed to increasing the number of quality mentoring opportunities in order to connect more young people with caring adults. Currently, GCPS has mentoring programs that connect potential community mentors with student mentees. These programs provide guidance, encouragement, and support, helping the students become successful young adults, both in and out of school. Last school year, more than 1,000 students were supported by a total of 661 volunteer mentors.
“Mentors play a critical role in the lives of many of our students.” says James Rayford, director of the Community-Based Mentoring Program’s African-American priority for boys. “They are role models that provide valuable advice and insight in an effort to help young people navigate through confusing and turbulent times. Mentoring is proven to have a positive effect on academic, social, and economic outcomes for our young people.” The African-American priority for boys—launched in 2009—serves more than 600 students in grades 4-12 at 61 schools.
Studies show mentors can play a powerful role in providing young people with the tools 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 report participating in sports or extracurricular activities.
78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.
More than twice as likely to say they held 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.
“A mentor is like a madrina or padrino for our kids,” said Nury Crawford, director of the Community-Based Mentoring Program’s Hispanic priority, which serves boys and girls in middle school. “Like in a family, mentors guide, lead, but most of all they listen and care.” Nearly 200 students at 15 schools are served through this part of the mentoring program. With the pandemic, families, mentees, and mentors are able to stay connected with videos posted on a YouTube channel.
The newest member of the Mentoring team is Nicole Tomlinson, who recently took on the role of director of the Community-Based Mentoring Program’s African-American priority for girls. “Mentoring is a vital way to address the opportunity and achievement gaps in our communities,” she says. “Not only does a mentor provide experiences and opportunities that will help students see beyond their circumstances and other obstacles. A mentor provides a child with their personal champion, a person who believes in them until they have the courage to believe in themselves.” Nearly 300 girls from 24 middle schools are served through this priority, which started with grade 6 and adds a new grade level each year. Now in its third year, the program currently serves girls in grades 6-8.
The district is seeking both men and women to serve as mentors. Prospective mentors, who must be 21 or older, must follow these steps:
Complete a mentor application.
Attend a Volunteer Mentor Training Session (currently online).
Complete the fingerprinting and background check process.
The district matches mentors who have completed all steps in the application process with student mentees, and provides ongoing support and resources for a successful mentoring experience.
Community members and local businesses also can support the program in other ways—from learning opportunities and event sponsorships (like the March 22 golf tournament) to financial donations and in-kind contributions. Learn more online.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Call 770-682-8086 or visit the program’s webpage.