By Tim Mandell
The African American Mentoring Program is beginning to take shape.
Created in response to what was seen as low standardized test scores for African American males in Madison County, the program is designed to pair male students with male mentors in the hope that it leads to a positive outcome.
Approximately 175 mailers were sent to families inviting them to participate in the program.
Twelve mentors recently received training for the program and another four or five are scheduled to undergo training on Saturday, said Velmar Miller, president of the African American Mentoring Program.
During Monday’s parent meeting, 12 students were enrolled in the program.
At the meeting, parents were informed about what the program entails and what is expected of the students and parents. Parents strongly were encouraged to become more active in their children’s education.
“We showed them how to get on the school Web site, how to access grades, the daily announcements, one call, student codes, attendance, requirements for athletics and we had them sign a parent pledge,” Miller said. “We’re going to do everything in our power to assist their kids and help in the education process.”
Another meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Technology Training Center across from Madison Central High School.
“The first thing on the agenda is a presentation to explain the expectations of the mentoring program,” Miller said.
Following the presentation, there will be a discussion on proposed upcoming projects, before the students are teamed with a mentor.
Students and mentors will meet at least once a week, but can meet more often if they choose.
If the program is successful, Miller said the hope is that it can serve as a model for other organizations that might be interested in creating a similar program.
Members of the mentoring program have been visiting schools to promote it and stress the importance of standardized testing.
They also have been searching for sponsors and community support.
Even though the program is still in the early stages, Miller said it has already been contacted by Eastern Kentucky University’s Call Me Mister program, which interviewed students on Wednesday to see if they fit the profile for the program.
The Call Me Mister program provides academic and financial support to African American males pursuing careers in teaching.
Regular meetings for the African American Mentoring Program will be conducted on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Technology Training Center.
For more information, call Velmar Miller at Madison Central High School at 625-6109.
Tim Mandell can be reached at tmandell@richmondregister.com or 623-1669 ext. 6696.
