Working to spark an interest in higher education in the developing minds of local elementary school students, the Castleton Mentoring Program recently launched its 2014-15 program with a kickoff gathering, as students came together with Castleton Elementary School children.
Now in its tenth year, the program aims to connect fourth and fifth graders with Castleton students to act as role models as they begin to consider their futures.
“We connect a college student with an elementary age student by their similar interests,” said senior Elise Hussa, an active member of the mentoring program.
Mentors visit the elementary school at least once a week on a pre-determined schedule throughout the academic year to spend quality time, one-on-one, playing, talking, working and sharing friendship and meals with their young mentees.
Using their shared interests as a building block, students develop relationships that become a positive influence in the child’s life, providing social support and encouragement. Working with their mentors, the fourth and fifth-grade students are exposed to the excitement of higher education and the importance of setting educational goals that make college a reality.
On the Oct. 6 kick-off event students were able to meet and interact with their mentees, for the first of many visits that will occur throughout the year.
“We model hard work, determination, enthusiasm, and leadership,” said Hussa, “We specifically focus on planting the seed for college in these fourth and fifth graders minds and don’t question whether they are going to college, but when and where.”