Local mentoring nonprofit updates board on school-based matches, scholarships and expansion plans

Representatives from DSABC and related volunteer-mentoring leadership presented the nonprofit's school-based mentoring work and recent organizational changes to the Danbury Board of Education.

Alexis Kugos, identified as executive director for the group (named in the presentation), described the program as a one-on-one school-based mentoring effort that pairs adult volunteers with students during school hours, typically once a week. Kugos said the organization digitized its application process this year, uses a background-check vendor and provides mentor training before matches begin. "Our mentors stay with their student until they graduate," Kugos said.

The presentation said the program offers a $1,000 scholarship to students who graduate from the mentoring program; the scholarship can be renewed annually for up to $4,000 for students who attend a four-year college. The presenters said the nonprofit placed mentors across multiple schools, reported last year's total of 92 matches and said they had continued growth this year. The presenter said 66 mentors had been trained in the current cycle.

The nonprofit also described a recent structural change: moving some employment and administrative costs out of previously in-kind support and into the organization's budget after transitioning to a technical service provider. The presenters said DSABC received a one-time donation from the City of Danbury and draws on corporate grants and fundraising to expand matches.

The group described programs that connect students to local business speakers during flex periods and family college tours. Board members thanked the presenters and said the partnership helps prepare students for the academy launch next year. No board action or funding allocation was taken at the meeting; the conversation was informational.