JUMP

Project summary for 2001-JG-FX-0015
The Newport Independent Schools JUMP project plans to expand its existing F.R.O.G. Mentoring Project (Fostering Relationships, Opportunities and Growth) program. The project will use a three tiered approach to mentoring - the F.R.O.G. project, the Sports Buddies and the H.O.S.T. program. The project will target 6-15 year old youth at three elementary schools and one middle school. The program is designed that each participant will mentor only one child on a one-to-one basis, no less than one to two hours per week for a period of at least one year. Mentoring activities will take place at each school site. Mentors will be adults 21 years of age and older and are required to serve a minimum of one year. All prospective project employees, volunteers and mentors will be screened using Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, Inc's. policy. Mentors will be selected from the surrounding professional community, including law enforcement officers, senior citizens, grandparents, and local business persons. At least two parents will be included as voting members of the Newport Mentoring Project Advisory Council, which will oversee the program over the three-years of the grant cycle. Youth will gain exposure to positive new cultural activities, including trips to the Cincinnati Zoo, the Natural History Museum, local sporting events, etc. Mentors matched with youths at Newport Middle School (grades 6th-7th) will be encouraged to provide mentees with a variety of job-related activities, including the opportunity to spend time or participate at the mentor's work environment and through job shadowing, thereby witnessing job skills useful for obtaining employment.