Students propose 'Mustang Mentors' peer program to boost engagement and ease high‑school transition

Student members of the superintendent's advisory council outlined a plan to launch "Mustang Mentors," a peer‑mentoring program aimed at helping incoming Vasquez High School students navigate campus life, improve attendance and strengthen graduation prospects.

"Teachers know students as individuals and not just numbers," Logan Williams told trustees, listing strengths such as teacher accessibility and a robust athletics program that supports student success. The students said Mustang Mentors will recruit varsity juniors and seniors to serve as mentors during advisory periods and through structured activities including tutoring, leadership training and community service.

A separate student presenter described the program structure: mentors would commit to two advisory periods per week, submit activity logs, participate in a summer training cycle and sign a two‑semester mentorship contract. The group said the recruitment phase is currently underway and staff are identifying a teacher advisor to oversee the program for fall 2026.

Trustees praised the proposal and asked staff to provide participation estimates and implementation details. "I would love to see some of the numbers of the students that are actually willing to participate in this program," a trustee said, noting the value of measurable targets before launch.

The advisory council framed the program as a low‑cost, student‑led strategy to increase engagement and support transitions into high school; staff and trustees signaled support for moving forward with recruitment and finalizing an advisor and schedule.