News Summary
Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) is urgently looking for adult volunteers to mentor its 17,000 students as part of an initiative to reduce dropout rates among at-risk youth. Currently, many students are on a waitlist for mentors. The program aims not only to match students with dedicated mentors but also explores group mentoring as an alternative. Mentorship has proven vital in improving students’ school attendance, college enrollment, and participation in activities. Community organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, are also working to recruit volunteers to support local youth.
Kansas City – Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) is urgently seeking adult volunteers to serve as mentors for its approximately 17,000 students as part of an initiative aimed at reducing dropout rates among at-risk youth. With many students currently on a waitlist in need of mentors, the district is actively encouraging community involvement to bridge the gap and provide these students with essential support.
While the program aims to match each student with a dedicated mentor, KCPS is also exploring options for group mentoring as an alternative. Mentorship is pivotal for the development of at-risk youth, as data suggests that those with mentors are:
- 52% less likely to skip a day of school
- 55% more likely to enroll in college
- 81% more likely to participate regularly in school sports or activities
Potential mentors need to commit to a minimum of one academic school year, dedicating at least 20 to 30 minutes weekly. This includes meeting with their mentee a minimum of 2-3 times per month. As a safety precaution, all mentors are required to pass a background check prior to being paired with a student.
Importance of Mentorship
The coordinator for the mentorship program, Qiana McGhee, emphasizes the necessity of consistent connections and support for students. Mentorship not only provides hope for the future but also broadens students’ exposure to various opportunities, including fields like robotics and other technical areas.
The Kansas City United for Public Safety collective is another organization that supports mentorship initiatives for KCPS students, focusing on community engagement and collaboration with different groups to enhance student opportunities. These partnerships aim to foster positive growth and development in young individuals, providing guidance in both academic and social dimensions.
Community Collaboration
In addition to KCPS, other organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters KC, are also striving to recruit mentors for youth in the Kansas City area. This organization currently has over 270 children on its waitlist, highlighting the pressing need for adult volunteers in mentoring roles. Anna Munguia, a director at Big Brothers Big Sisters KC, emphasizes the critical role of mentorship combined with community collaboration in creating pathways for positive youth development.
Volunteer Opportunities
Serving as a volunteer mentor is viewed as a meaningful opportunity to impact the community positively. Specific activities that mentors may engage in include attending school events, sports games, and educational workshops, facilitating an enriching experience for the student. Programs like these not only support academic growth but also help in establishing a sense of belonging and connection to the community.
Advocacy from Local Leaders
Kansas City Police Officer Brandon Walker, who advocates for at-risk youth, utilizes his platform to foster positive relationships through mentorship and engaging activities, showcasing the significant role that community members can play in supporting the youth. His involvement highlights how mentorship can transcend barriers and contribute to a safer, more supportive environment for young individuals.
The appeal for volunteer mentors comes at a critical time when the challenges facing at-risk youth are growing. By stepping up to mentor a student, community members can become a much-needed source of guidance, stability, and inspiration in their lives, helping to pave the way for a brighter future.
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: Kansas City Public Schools Seeking Mentors
- Wikipedia: Mentorship
- Kansas City Star: Local News on Mentorship
- Google Search: Mentorship in Education
- CBOE Insights: Mentoring Youth in Kansas City
- Google Scholar: Impact of Mentoring on Youth
- KSHB: KCPD Officer Mentors At-Risk Kids
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mentoring
- Sports Illustrated: Travis Kelce as a Mentor
