Shelby County Schools is excited to launch its Mentoring Coalition, a partnership between SCS and community organizations that matches community members with school-based mentoring programs. Through the coalition, individuals who are interested in mentoring can be matched by the Department of Family and Community Engagement with programs that support the needs they are passionate about, like working with incarcerated youth or teenage parents, college readiness, enhancing students’ cultural experiences or teaching valuable life skills. 

One anchor of the mentoring coalition is Shelby County Schools’ longstanding CONNECT Mentoring program, which kicks off with training on January 17. CONNECT Mentoring is a school-based program that pairs mentors with students in grades six through 12. Students meet with their mentors every week at their schools to develop life skills, such as goal setting, leadership, accountability and more. Mentors can choose to work one-on-one with students or with a group or team of students. Mentors are asked to commit to a year of volunteer service.

Those interested in CONNECT Mentoring can fill out the online application or contact Jaques Hamilton at 416-6894 to register by phone, then come to the CONNECT Mentor pre-service training on January 17 at 10 a.m. The training will be held at Metropolitan Baptist Church, located at 767 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126. NOTE: Advance registration is required for the training.

“I’m thrilled that committed community members can mentor students directly through the District and our partners," said Superintendent Dorsey Hopson. "I’m a big believer in the statement ‘Education Involves Everyone,’ and this coalition gives our diverse community the opportunity to share a wealth of knowledge, resources and valuable experiences with our students.” 

January is also National Mentoring Month, so the Mentoring Coalition kicks off right in time to celebrate a national movement that advocates for mentoring opportunities.

"Research shows that mentoring is linked to academic, social and economic improvements, so we’re really excited that our students have an opportunity to experience the positive benefits that can result from a mentoring relationship," said Mary Earheart-Brown, Manager of Family and Community Engagement.  

For more information about getting involved with the Mentoring Coalition, contact the Department of Family & Community Engagement at 416-7600.