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KCSD receives new SS/HS federal
grant to expand mentoring efforts
Date: September 21, 2010
A little more than a year after
receiving a $5.7 million four-year federal grant to support
local safe school efforts, the Kershaw County School District
has received an additional $300,000 specifically targeted for
mentoring.
“We were eligible to pursue this second grant
because we had already been funded through the federal Safe
Schools/Healthy Students initiative,” said Kershaw County School
District Superintendent Frank Morgan. “We look forward to
expanding our mentoring efforts which are an important component
of our safe schools program.”
Morgan said the new funding
will be used to pair 150 students in grades 5-8 with adult
mentors. “Research shows that interaction with a positive adult
role model can make a significant difference in a child’s
success. This grant will allow us to provide mentoring efforts
to more students who can benefit from these relationships.”
The grant will be administered by the United Way of Kershaw
County, and the funding will be used to recruit mentors, match
mentors and students and provide community outreach.
Safe Schools/Healthy Students Project Director Kevin Rhodes said
that program goals include improving student attendance,
reducing school discipline referrals and bullying behaviors,
improving academic performance and heightening students’ sense
of self-worth.
“This will positively impact the bottom
line—students’ learning,” Rhodes said. “The great thing is that
it’s not just the students who benefit. As a mentor myself, I
can tell you that the adults gain just as much as the students.”
United Way of Kershaw County President Donny Supplee is
excited about partnering with the school district. “Working with
youth who need a role model and encouragement is a great way for
us to help teachers and parents achieve positive results. One of
our local principals says that a high school diploma is worth
$500,000 in the job market. We want to help students get there.” For more information:
Mary Anne Byrd, 432-8416 ext. 1229 |
