We are looking forward to welcoming a new class of students into our Take Stock in Children mentoring program this fall, but first we need 100 additional mentors to help make a difference in the lives of these students.
Mentoring is a proven dropout prevention strategy. Studies show students with a mentor have better school attendance, better attitudes toward school and are more likely to enroll in college. It’s why we advocate for the state to increase funding for mentoring programs like ours focused on academic achievement and personal success for at-risk students.
Our mentoring program provides students with a caring mentor, college success coach and opportunity for a Florida Prepaid Scholarship.
It’s been a game changer for so many students, like Deisy. She is entering her senior year at Durant High School and looking forward to a bright future—thanks to guidance from her mentor.
“I was able to get an amazing mentor. Having someone who is there and wants you to achieve your goals is pretty amazing,” Deisy said. “If you’re thinking about becoming a mentor—go for it! That journey you’re going to take is going to be very impactful to you and your mentee, because you’re going to leave something in their lives that they’ll cherish forever.”
Jazheel Lenegar currently mentors both Deisy and her cousin and also served as a mentor to Deisy’s older sister until she graduated high school.
“I feel like I’m giving back to my community,” Jazheel said. “When I leave our mentoring sessions, I know that I made a difference. I might have brightened their day—and they definitely did that for me. I enjoy that.”
Right now, due to COVID-19 changes, we are looking for flexible volunteers who would be comfortable mentoring a student virtually for the 2020-21 school year. For more information and to apply, visit: EducationFoundation.com/Mentor-a-Student.
