Community Schools Initiative and MENTOR Independence Region to Host Unique Mentor Training Program at George Washington High School
A Mentoring Workshop for High School Students in North East Philadelphia
What:
MENTOR Independence Region, a mentoring resource center operated by Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Education’s Community Schools initiative, will facilitate a workshop and training session called Building Your Dream Team: How to Find and Make the Most of Mentors. The interactive workshop will be held at George Washington High School where students will learn how they can identify the most beneficial mentors for their intended goals, how to set healthy boundaries within a mentoring relationship, and how they can maximize their mentor-mentee relationship to achieve their full potential.
Why:
Evidence shows that youth who are mentored demonstrate a propensity toward positive behavioral traits that include: better school attendance; better overall attitudes toward school; greater likelihood of pursuing higher education opportunities; reduced likelihood of substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Further, mentoring promotes positive social attitudes and relationships, as well as improved communication and trust between child and parent/guardian. (Source: S. Jekielek, K. Moore, E. Hair and H. Scarupa 2002; Mentoring Programs and Youth Development: A Synthesis; Washington, DC: ChildTrends). Additional research shows that one out of three youth will reach the age of 18 without the benefit of a positive mentor.
Who:
- Marcus Allen, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region
- Abigail Ellis, Executive Directory, MENTOR Independence Region
- Caitlyn Boyle, Mayor’s Office of Education
- 25 high school students at George Washington High School
When:
Tuesday, March 27th
from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Where:
George Washington High School
School Library
10175 Bustleton Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19116
Key Visuals:
- BBBS Independence CEO, Marcus Allen, addressing the crowd about the work of MENTOR Independence Region and the importance of mentoring for youth and communities
- 25 high school students participating in a multi-media experience using celebrity videos, text polls, and hands-on activities to help participants answer important questions such as: What role does a mentor play in a mentee’s life? Where can I find good mentors? How do I ask someone to mentor me?
- High school students sharing their experiences, hopes and dreams
About MENTOR Independence Region
MENTOR Independence Region, formerly known as the Mentoring Partnership & Resource Center (MPRC), was launched in March 2015 to expand the mentoring field’s regional capacity to reach more school-aged children with caring, committed adult mentors, using best practices, training and professional support to achieve lifelong positive educational and behavioral outcomes for youth. MENTOR Independence Region works directly with mentoring programs and mentors to help them become aware of the research and evidence-based practices that have been shown to increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for youth. This is accomplished through trainings, technical assistance, quality assessment, professional networking, tools and templates, advocacy, strategy and partnerships. Visit us at www.mentorir.org.
About Philadelphia Community Schools
Community Schools are public neighborhood schools that also serve as community centers, improving access to resources and supports for students, families and the neighborhood. Currently, 12 Community Schools serve over 6,500 students as well as families and community members. Each school offers a unique set of services and programs based on feedback from the community. A City-employed Community School Coordinator manages the process at each school while working closely with the principal, community members, and service providers. Community Schools are a cornerstone of Mayor Jim Kenney’s vision for education in Philadelphia, and funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax.
