Overview

Parks Middle School, in partnership with the Center for Working Families, Salvation Army and the Atlanta Public School System, proposes a mentoring program for 40 students in grades 6-8. Parks Middle School is in the Pittsburgh community, just south of downtown Atlanta, Georgia.  The neighborhood has high poverty levels, low adult educational achievement, high unemployment rates, and high rates of probationers and parolees. There are few opportunities for recreation in the neighborhood, few retail outlets, no libraries, and no safe places for youth to congregate.

The Parks Pals mentoring program will provide opportunities for positive and supportive relationships with older youth, mentors and other adults.  The program will foster a sense of ownership among youth, and provide mentees with academic and enrichment opportunities.  Activities for mentees include a book club, service learning projects, field trips, and volunteering in the community garden. Outcomes to be measured include match data (sustaining, recruiting), standardized test scores in reading, math, ELA, and science; grades in core academic subjects; school attendance; and social and emotional behavior. Key partners involved in planning and implementation include the Annie E. Casey Foundation, After School All Stars, and the Pittsburgh Community Improvement Association.

Funding/Staffing

Average of $160,000 per year for three years; source - US Dept. of Education/Office of Safe and Drugfree Schools.
Project Coordinator - Jamaar Logan (start date - January 7, 2008
Half time administrative assistant (to be selected)
 
 

Mentors

To be recruited from area businesses, AU Center Schools (commitment already from Morehouse), West End Rotary Club, Salvation Army, others to be determined
All mentors will fill out an application, be interviewed, have reference checks, criminal background checks and must participate in the training program
Mentees

40 sixth grade students “who need additional academic, social and organizational support”
Recommended by teachers, CIS coordinators, guidance counselors, leadership team members
Both parent and student must agree to participate.
Timetable

Need names and information about students recommended by January 7
January is National Mentoring Month
January 24 - luncheon and community/school tour for potential mentors