With the help of 1000 new mentors, Columbus Public Schools and Big Brothers Big Sisters are working to help 8th graders through programs in all 27 middle schools reach graduation in 2012. As the trainer of all new mentors for the program, The Mentoring Center is a key partner in helping raise the graduation rate to 90%.
Programs in all 20 high school will be added in Fall 2008. The Nationwide Foundation, led by Nationwide president Jerry Jurgensen, is the lead underwriter.
Particularly as students reach middle school—and more rigorous academic requirements—they need added supports if they are to develop the behaviors, attitudes and skills that will help them graduate from high school and become productive, contributing citizens. The 90% graduation goal represents a challenging increase from the 2001 rate of 55% and the current 72.9%.
To help build bridges across differences in background and education, The Mentoring Center is coaching new volunteers in the special skills of working with adolescents, building relationships and cultural dynamics, all designed to help mentors and mentees develop bonds of trust and caring. Mentees are also trained, helping them adapt to the added caring adult in their lives.
