We here at NJ After 3 received some
FANTASTIC news from our partners at Vacamas Programs for Youth. Sebastian Rodriguez of VPY is working with staff from Central High School, a member school in the NGVSZ, to establish a mentoring program, pairing exemplary high school students with 7th and 8th graders from out NGVSZ/NJ After 3 Expanded Learning Time programs. This initiative gives our youth an amazing opportunity to look into the future and get a taste of what it will be like to make the transition from the middle grades to high school.
This is not just an excellent opportunity for the youth we serve, nut also a potentially transformative experience for the young mentors. This
Afterschool Alliance issue brief highlights some of the benefits of mentoring programs:
- Improved health and self esteem
- Sense of accomplishment
- Insight into one’s own childhood or children
- Public recognition
- Inclusion in a volunteer community
As this initiative develops, we will strive to incorporate some key elements highlighted by the Afterschool Alliance and others:
- Close emotional bond based on empathy and authenticity, basic compatibility and opportunities for having fun.
- Youth-centered approach, focusing on the developmental needs of youth.
- Consistent, regular meetings, at least four hours per month.
- Enduring relationships that last one year or longer.
What have you been working on? Do you have any exciting announcements to share with our community? Are you looking for someone to collaborate with? Then you should be posting here! Please contact your Program Officer for more details.
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