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The New York State Mentoring Program is in need of a few special people to volunteer as mentors to at-risk youths in schools as close as Central Islip’s Cordello Elementary School.
The program partners with school districts across the state to establish mentorship programs to support the academic, social and emotional growth of students.
They are currently gearing up for fall programs.
“Often we take for granted that kids come home to a strong family unit where an adult is checking homework and asking how their day went,” said Diane Urso, the regional coordinator for the state program, and a Bay Shore resident.
“For many children this is not part of their world,” Urso continued, “maybe mom works two jobs, perhaps there is no parent at home. These are the students who benefit from the one-to-one mentoring experience.”
Through the state program, chaired pro bono by founder Matilda Raffa Cuomo, students and mentors have the chance to connect and bond over the course of a school year.
“There are many reasons mentees are selected but none two are the same,” Urso said. “The one thing that mentees share is the need for academic, social and emotional support that they get from their mentors.”
Click here to apply to be a mentor. Mentors do not have to live locally but must be willing to commit to a full academic year, from October through June.
The school will provide room for mentors to meet with students each week. Call 212-383-4708 or email [email protected] with any additional questions.
Click here for a list of common mentoring concerns addressed.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
