Next Level Mentoring Program, Inc.

Newsroom

February 2006 edition of ChallengerNKY

Next Level Mentoring Helps Students Achieve

Will France has better organizational skills and is learning about the importance of time management when it comes to study habits.

Chris Murphy is now placing more of an emphasis on homework and thinking about the colleges he wants to attend.

Ashley Patterson has always wanted to become a nurse, but now has a better understanding of what it takes to achieve her career goal.

For each of these three Northern Kentucky high school students, the Next Level Mentoring Program has meant different things. But one common denominator is undeniable: the confidence boost that mentors provide.

"When you're in high school you think that you don't need this and that as long as you get good grades you'll get into college. But what the mentor program does is it gets you ready to leave home and go into adulthood. They give you so much confidence," said Patterson, a 17-year-old senior at Lloyd High School in Erlanger.

But students aren't the only ones benefiting from Next Level's program. Mentors are also discovering they're getting back as much as they're putting into the relationship.

"I have the opportunity and great fortune of aiding in shaping, molding and positively impacting the direction of a life," said Cicely Ingram, Patterson's mentor. "It's very rewarding. I am able to share my strengths and talents and help develop those of my mentee. Giving back is fundamental to my value system. This program enables me to do that."

According to Walter Ingram, Cicely's husband and executive director of Next Level, the program's motto says it all: "Knowledge is the catalyst that transforms dreams into reality."

"Deserving youth need direction to realize their dreams in the new global workforce," said the 30-year-old engineer.

Many Youth Lack Guidance

Walter Ingram, along with several youth from the First Baptist Church of Elsmere, founded Next Level in December 2003 with the common belief that many African-American youths in the community lacked meaningful guidance on academics and college preparation.

Recognizing that there were several young professionals in their church, the youth approached Ingram, curious about what could be done.

They soon began meeting bi-weekly, interest spread, and Ingram and other professionals decided to set up a more formal structure.

Today, Next Level Mentoring is a nonprofit organization that assists minority high school students, primarily African-American, in grades eight through 12 who want to continue their education beyond high school. The program targets students in the Boone, Kenton, and Erlanger/Elsmere school districts.

By the end of the current school year, Next Level expects to mentor 50 students.

Ingram hopes to add 25 students each year until reaching a program capacity to serve 125 students.

The mentoring services would be available to approximately 300 students covering seven area high schools and nine middle schools, according to Ingram.

"The primary objective of the mentoring program is to have a successful transition from high school to college," he said.

To maintain consistency, students and mentors are matched up permanently. Mentors act primarily as guides and coaches - not just tutors.

Right now the program boasts a 100 percent match.

"But as we continue to grow, we're always going to need mentors," said Ingram.

Ideally, Next Level will have a 2-to-1 ratio of referrals to actual mentors, he added. Mr. Ingram is currently building the pool of potential mentors for the 2006-07 school year.

"Heartfelt" Participation

Corey Clark, a 30-year-old specialist and project planner with Toyota, describes his mentoring role as "heartfelt."

"When I was in high school, I didn't really have that guide to prepare me for college and higher education," he said.

Meeting with his student each week - France, a 15-year-old freshman at Conner High School in Hebron - Clark is proud to say that the student's study habits and grade point average have improved.

Clark gives all the credit to France, though, saying that his role as a mentor is tailored to what the student wants out of the program. He suggests other mentors, and those interested in becoming mentors, recognize their role in the relationship.

"As far as the relationship goes, just basically be yourself and be constant in what you do. Consistency builds the trust," he said. "Don't try and be a superhero. Nobody's looking for an Oprah. They're just looking for somebody to talk to in most cases and be a friend who has been there done that."

Cathy Murphy has seen the positive effects that the program has made on her son, Chris, a freshman at Conner High School.

"He can talk to his mentor (Ingram) about things that he can't really talk to me about," she said. "I think what really gets him going is he sees how many people are really interested and really there for him to help him get to college."

"It really did turn out to be more than what I expected," said Chris in describing the program. "It helps you to achieve your goals in life."

Personal Skills Important

But, Ingram said, the program also incorporates a personal aspect so that students can improve communication, leadership and time management skills.

In addition, students and mentors participate in community outreach programs, including visits to area nursing homes and homeless shelters.

Mentors and students meet weekly for one-on-one sessions. Workshop group sessions are held each month, including an ACT preparation strategy class in late January.

"For the mentors, they're pretty much going to be the backbone of the program," said Ingram.

As for students, Ingram said the program is not set up from a skills set perspective to handle anyone who is on the verge of being expelled because of at-risk behavior.

Instead, mentors work with students who could be on the "borderline," said Ingram.

"Some students are riding the fence. They have the potential. They have the capability. They just need a coach, someone to guide them," he said.

To make sure students don't fall through the cracks, Ingram works with parents, teachers and people in the community to identify students for the program.

"We're trying to be proactive and prevent the kids from becoming 'at risk,'" he said.

In December 2005, Next Level was awarded $19,000 in grants to support programs related to one-to-one academic mentoring, personal development, and cultural awareness.

The grant money will finance specific programs such as ACT prep classes, fund-raising initiatives, community-service projects, and travel funds to educational activities like job shadowing, company visits and college tours.

For more information about the Next Level Mentoring Program or to become a mentor, contact Walter Ingram at (859) 384-7527.

How to Become a 'Next Level' Mentor

The screening procedure for mentors includes a written application with three personal references, a criminal history check and a personal interview.

Mentors attend training sessions prior to being matched up with a student. Mentors must also agree to a one-year commitment, meet with a student at least one hour a week, communicate with a staff representative once a month, and update the parent/guardian on a student's monthly progress.

For students to participate in the program, they must obtain parent/guardian consent, complete a written application and a personal interview.

Students also attend a training session prior to being matched with a mentor and agree to the same commitments.

The primary objective of the program is for students to have a successful transition from high school to college, maintaining a sound academic plan, and striving for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.