The Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate program for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools has had success with raising graduation rates for those in the program.
However, considering the program only reaches about one percent of students enrolled in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school systems, the program should consider lowering the age limit of volunteers from 21 to 18.
The 16-year old program is funded through grants to the school system. It recently received praise from the UNC School of Education through an evaluation that took more than a year to complete.
The study said the program was “well-designed” and “extremely effective,” and every student who has successfully completed the program and graduated high school has enrolled in post-secondary education.
Students in the mentor program are able to secure scholarships to go toward their college education. This reward gives the students a goal to push toward.
Currently, there are 150 students in the program, which commits to giving a mentor to these students from fourth grade to graduation.
As of now, volunteers must be at least 21 years old and able to commit at least two years. The UNC study found that the volunteers value the program, but staffing levels are low.
The school system should consider lowering the age to 18, considering many of the students who attend college or university in the surrounding area are younger than 21.
High participation in community service programs such as the Buckley Public Service Scholars and post-undergraduate programs, such as Teach for America, show that this campus would be ideal for expanding the mentor program.
