Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mentorship Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District unveils AAA mentorship pilot aimed at male students, starting with seniors
Summary
Gary Community School Corporation staff presented a proposed male mentorship pilot called AAA (Aspire, Achieve, Ascend) to pair male mentors with students; the program would start small and emphasize semester commitments and background-checked mentors.
The Gary Community School Corporation presented details of a proposed male mentorship program called AAA (Aspire, Achieve, Ascend) at the Feb. 13 meeting, proposing a small pilot cohort and a mix of one-on-one mentoring and monthly workshops.
Program lead Mister King told the board the district intends to match each participating student with a male mentor for biweekly one-hour meetings, ideally after school to avoid interrupting instructional time. In addition to the one-on-one sessions, the program plans monthly group workshops on life skills such as job interviews, financial literacy and interactions with law enforcement. Mister King said mentors would undergo background checks and submit a personal statement and list of expertise to help align mentees with mentors.
The pilot would begin with about 20 students — a mix of students who are on-track to graduate and students who are under‑supported — and the district plans to start immediately with a small senior cohort for the remainder of the school year to provide support before graduation. King asked mentors to commit at least one semester and suggested an initial volunteer time of roughly three hours per month (biweekly one-hour sessions plus a monthly workshop).
Why it matters: staff cited a need for additional positive male role models and targeted supports for young men in the district. The pilot emphasizes community partnerships, volunteer mentors from staff and local businesses, and a careful selection process for participants and mentors.
What was said: “Each student selected for the program will be matched with a male mentor, ensuring 1 on 1 attention and guidance,” King said. The program name AAA stands for “aspire, achieve, ascend.”
Next steps: staff will recruit mentors, gather mentee volunteers and recommendations from counselors and teachers, and run the pilot with a senior cohort this semester before expanding next school year.
