“Connecting Generations”

by:
Michael A. Robinson, Coordinating Supervisor, Parental Engagement and Community Outreach

President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden have challenged us to assist others who aspire to improve their lives. They have called upon Americans to think beyond themselves and to find ways they can help make the lives of others better. In keeping with the spirit of President Obama and Vice-President Biden, Prince George's County Public Schools is calling on the community to join its “Connecting Generations” mentoring program, by becoming a mentor. Our goal is to identify 2000 mentors from the community to support our students.

National and state statistics confirm that children who are mentored are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and peers. These same students are 52% less likely to “skip” school and 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs. Students who are successful in school are less likely to drop out, become pregnant, abuse drugs or become involved in criminal activity. Additionally, students who have a mentor benefit in other ways:

• Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences



• Exposure to an additional loving and caring adult



• Improved attitude regarding school and careers



• Improved in school behavior



• Willingness to accept challenges

To learn more about the "Connecting Generations" mentoring program or to sign up to become a mentor, please click on the following link http://www.kpscholars.com/become_a_mentor.php and enter your name and contact information into our mentor database.