In partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools, the Pittsburgh Youth Futures Commission and the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the United Way developed the
“Be a Middle School Mentor” initiative to help foster positive relationships, prepare students for academic and career success and help them achieve eligibility for Pittsburgh Promise, a program to help students pursue further education after high school and to enhance
the growth, stability and economic development of the Pittsburgh region.
The
“Be a Middle School Mentor” program’s education and career framework includes helping children to:
- Become aware of jobs in our area
- Have a career dream that provides motivation
- Understand the relevance of completing high school and being able to read, write and do math adequately to achieving a career and lifelong success
- Have a positive adult role model providing encouragement
The
“Be a Middle School Mentor” initiative seeks to recruit mentors to be paired with students at 12 schools: Pittsburgh Allegheny 6-8. Pittsburgh Arsenal 6-8, Pittsburgh Classical 6-8, Pittsburgh King K-8, Pittsburgh Manchester K-8, Pittsburgh Milliones 6-12 (University Prep), Pittsburgh Obama 6-12, Pittsburgh Schiller 6-8, Pittsburgh South Brook 6-8, Pittsburgh South Hills 6-8, Pittsburgh Sterrett 6-8 and Pittsburgh Westinghouse 6-12.
Mentors are asked to volunteer, be trained and agree to:
- A one-year minimum commitment to the mentoring relationship.
- Weekly hour-long meetings at the mentee’s school, using curriculum to guide the discussions during the school year.
- Participation in monthly e-mentoring or mail contact during the summer.
- Mentors will be provided with initial training and ongoing support to maximize the mentoring relationship.
Why start with 6th Graders?
6th graders are at a crossroads, so this program is designed to help those in Pittsburgh Public Schools understand how many options they have when they stay in school and involved.
No longer "little kids" and not yet teens, 6th graders are faced with a world of decisions. Research proves that mentors can influence good choices. Like staying focused in school. And staying out of trouble. And making plans for the future, including college and a career.
Many 6th graders view the world through a lens the size of their daily lives. By exposing students to people and careers beyond their everyday experiences, they're open to a broader range of opportunities for their own futures.
