Mentoring Program

Student Training and Educational Program (STEP)

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Mentoring Program is to promote the academic success and positive youth development for K-8 students. Early and middle school years are a critical time for youth. In order to improve the educational experience for these at-risk students Next Level Foundation (NLF), Naperville Community School District 203 (NCSD203) and North Central College (NCC) will be partnering to create a school based program for early/middle school success. Through mentoring support, at-risk students will learn at an early age a greater sense of academic performance and the importance of self-esteem, team work, social development and creativity. Mentoring will occur during lunchtime blocks on the school premises.

Each student will have a one-on-one match. Students will at times participate in collaborative activities with other mentors and mentees in their school buildings. Working in collaboration with the school district, Principals, and NCC, Next Level will establish a set schedule for the mentor-mentee activities.

The School Based Education Mentor Program exposes youth ages K-8 from at-risk environment to positive role models to encourage them to remain in school and set positive goals for their adult lives.

Program Description:

The program will include:

· Social Development – Group and team building exercises to improve student engagement and social development for all students
· Nutrition education – to promote healthy lifestyle and show the correlation between healthy living and academic success
· Recreation – participate in fun physical fitness and combat child obesity
· Incentive Programs – Providing the students with monthly and quarterly incentives (field trips, guest speakers etc…)

The specific goals of the program include:

· Providing grade/middle school students with the opportunity to consistently interact with a concerned and committed young adult for the purpose of supporting his/her social, emotional, and academic development.
· Supporting personal goal setting
· Improving behaviors
· Increasing attendance rate
· Improving overall student achievement levels – K-8
· Improving Life skills – throughout all phases of program
· Closing the achievement gap for at-risk students