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Wicomico Mentoring Project expands outreach; about 40 mentors serving roughly 224 mentees, staff say
Summary
District staff updated the board on the Wicomico Mentoring Project, saying the program has about 40 mentors, 224 student mentees and school-based mentor coordinators in nearly every building; staff described training, mentor kits, quarterly recognition and plans to grow recruitment.
Wicomico County Public Schools staff reported on Feb. 26 that the Wicomico Mentoring Project is expanding outreach but still serves a small share of students, with about 40 active mentors and roughly 224 student mentees connected to the program.
Assistant Superintendent Miss Miles introduced a presentation by staff who manage the mentoring effort. Presenters said mentors include school staff, school resource officers, board members and outside volunteers and that school-based mentor coordinators (community school coordinators) manage connections in nearly every building.
Program details and supports Presenters described a training and support structure: mentors complete an initial orientation and annual refresher training that covers relationship building, blood-borne pathogens, reporting and the mentoring process. Each school receives a mentor kit and mentor roster; district-wide mentor coordinators provide on-call support. Staff said mentors meet with mentees in person and that some mentorship relationships extend to activities outside school.
Recruitment and recognition Outreach efforts include presence at school and community events and presentations to business groups and chambers. Staff plan a mentor recognition night and a mentor–mentee activity night in May and are pursuing additional outreach channels, including pediatrician offices and community centers, rack cards, social-media PSAs and (previously) billboard advertising.
Scale and goals Presenters said there are currently mentors in almost every school building but that the program reaches a small percentage of the district’s students (school enrollment was discussed earlier in the meeting); they urged more community volunteers and suggested targeted outreach to local businesses and employers as a means to recruit mentors.
Ending Staff asked the board and community to help recruit mentors and said the program’s coordinators will continue outreach, training, and school-based support as they scale the program.
