The Rotary Club of Hermann Park (RCHP) is partnering with four Third Ward schools to implement a mentoring program for students in the fall.
Titled the “Every Student Mentoring Program,” it will be put into action at Yates High School, Cullen Middle School and Lockhart and Blackshear Elementary Schools. RCHP hopes to mentor at least 50 students from each campus.
RCHP was established in 1959. President Ted Weisgal said the organization has always served Houston’s Third Ward through “service above self” and their goal is to continue that legacy.
“We need mentors to help motivate and steer students on the straight and narrow, and in a way where they’re going to succeed in life,” Weisgal said.
Jalisha Bass, a student who’s spearheading the mentoring program and a recent graduate of Yates, said having two mentors is the reason why she’s grounded today. She was accepted into 16 colleges and received more than 10 scholarship offers. She said students need mentoring and accountability for success.
“It’s important to have a mentor because it’s someone students can lean on for advice when they need help. A lot of people say ‘Oh, go to your parents or friends for that,’ but sometimes they don’t always have the knowledge you’re seeking,” Bass said.
“Mentors can hold you accountable and help guide you in the right direction. They’re also able to connect you to the right people to reach your career goals. My mentors are the reason why I’ll be attending University of Texas at Austin this fall with no worries on how I’ll be able to pay for my schooling.” To become a mentor or mentee email everystudentmentoringprogram@gmail.com