Most of us can think of someone who made a difference in our formative years—a “mentor” who guided and supported us on our journey of becoming the people we are today. The Annie E. Casey Foundation explains that “relationships play a powerful role in youth development and success. Young people need stable, caring relationships with adults in order to thrive, and mentors can provide this crucial support.
Throughout the U.S., 86 percent of youths ages six to 17 have at least one adult mentor, according to the Foundation. And there are impressive statistics associated with mentoring. For example, students with mentors stay in school, and aspire to and achieve better grades; they go to college; they are 52 percent less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and 37 percent less likely to skip a class.
The Cape Henlopen School District Mentoring Program is a prime example of a formal mentoring program. Launched in November 2021, it now has a mentoring program in every school within the district. However, this takes volunteers! It needs caring volunteers to serve as mentors in grades K through 12, for a period of about 30 minutes each a week. (Not a big ask, but it sure makes a big difference!)
Program organizers describe good mentors as responsible, compassionate, patient and understanding individuals who are able and willing to reach out to young people and are trustworthy. The requests vary, from playing games with a student to reading a book, or help with homework. The key ingredient is simply “being there.”
The process is also simple. Prospective mentors fill out an application form that includes a background check, a survey to determine one’s background/interests, and the school/age ranges of students with whom one wishes to work. Once you’re approved, The Cape Mentoring Program partners with an organization called Creative Mentoring to prepare new mentors for their experience.
Kim Hoey Stevenson is the District Mentor Coordinator. Stevenson has noteworthy credentials for the job and has been involved with the program since its inception. The Lewes resident taught at the Seaford Middle School and Southern Delaware School for the Arts. She also is a freelance writer who co-authored the book: Overcoming Misfortune: Children Who Beat the Odds. It explores individuals who overcome adverse conditions and, against all odds, become successful adult.
.
At the heart of it, mentoring helps meet the basic human need of letting young people know they matter and are not alone, notes the foundation material. Mentoring relationships promote a strong sense of belonging in youth — an internal asset essential for healthy development, according to the foundation’s 2023 Mentor Study (-Annie E Casey Foundation).
The Foundation also shares, the emotional and practical support that mentors offer has also been linked to positive academic, personal and professional achievements. One specific finding reported in the study is the fact that 74 percent of those who had a meaningful mentor said that person contributed significantly to their later success in life.
Cape Henlopen School District adds a few more additional benefits for students and the community at large. Organizers point out that students often develop more positive attitudes towards school, they develop higher levels of self-confidence and are more likely to trust teachers.
For those of us excited to do a bit more this spring, why not jump in with a small commitment that can have a big return. Check out the website: https://www.connecting-generations.org/become-a-delaware-mentor/ or email/call Kimberley Hoey Stevenson, the District Mentor Coordinator, if you need help in the process: mentoring@Cape.k12.de.us | 302-703-3522.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
