LaFayette Central School District Youth Mentoring Initiative

The LaFayette Central School District, designated by the Town of LaFayette, NY as the eligible applicant, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, C&S Companies, CNY Works, Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, Manufacturers' Association of Central New York, Metropolitan Development Association of Central New York, Partners for Education and Business, the NYS State Police, Loretto Adult Care, the Town of LaFayette and the WorkKeys Center, proposes to deliver a Strengthening Youth Mentoring through Community Partnerships Program that will benefit approximately 80 high-risk students, including approximately 50 Native Americans, in grades 9-11, in rural, economically depressed Onondaga County, NY.

Program goals include: measurably improved student achievement, on New York School (NYS) standards based assessments, and the enhancement of students' employment/social skills, through one-to-one mentoring opportunities, three/hrs/wk, for four years, with adults/mentors, with whom students have been carefully matched. The program proposes to recruit, screen, train, retain and support 75 mentors; provide students with internships that are challenging and of potential career interest; enroll 80 high-risk students in 'The Big Picture Company' program and its essential mentoring component; track students two years, post graduation; involve parents in program development/implementation; regularly monitor student/mentor progress and relationships; provide classroom teachers with professional development that advance the mentoring processes and project goals; require that students/mentors maintain/update electronic portfolios of personal/programmatic growth; conduct formative and summative evaluations; and disseminate project results. Anticipated program outcomes include: 100 percent of participants will be matched with a mentor; 70 percent will exceed NYS standardized, high school ELA and math tests; student drop-out rates will decrease by 10 percent; of the 85 percent graduating seniors, 75 percent will enroll in degree program and 20 percent will secure career-based employment; independently evaluate program processes and outcomes; and disseminate results. CA/NCF