Student advisory group proposes countywide mentorship program to boost retention and postsecondary readiness
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Summary
The superintendent’s student advisory group presented a year‑long mentorship initiative that pairs juniors/seniors as mentors with underclassmen across county high schools. Students described a phased rollout, success stories of GPA improvement, punch‑card incentives and plans to integrate the program into class schedules next year.
Student leaders from Osceola County’s Superintendent Student Advisory Group presented their 2024–25 work to the school board on April 8, outlining a countywide mentorship initiative they say will improve school culture, academic outcomes and postsecondary planning.
The advisory group, composed of one junior and one senior representative from each high school, described a phased program: identify target students per campus, recruit mentor teams, implement meetings with whole‑group lessons and one‑on‑one breakout coaching, and track outcomes. Students reported 204 mentors, 875 mentees and more than 250 volunteer hours in the current year, and they highlighted several success stories including GPA increases and reduced skipping behavior.
Presenters said the program’s goals are to strengthen school culture, raise academic achievement (defined differently for different students), and provide targeted information about postsecondary pathways (military, technical college, community college, four‑year). One presenter said some schools plan to integrate mentors into regular class time next year so mentors can have structured pull‑out sessions with mentees.
Students proposed next steps including punch cards on student IDs tied to grade‑appropriate milestones, expanded virtual‑school outreach, and countywide sustainability through a two‑year continuity model (juniors then becoming seniors). Superintendent Shanoff and board members praised the group’s work and district staff—Danielle Malpera and Summer Zavallos—for co‑facilitating. Shanoff called the meetings “the most fun meetings I had on my schedule” and said he views the program as a promising model.
The board did not vote on policy changes; the presentation was informational. Students requested continued district support for professional coordination and transport or scheduling support where needed.
