Mentoring

Mentoring at Madison Park Academy is a three year old growing program. Currently 44 senior and junior high school students are paired with 88 5th ,6th ,7th and 8th graders for the purpose of promoting behavioral, academic and community engagement skills. The administration approved an elective course for mentors to first learn about childhood development and positive identity formation, successful classroom learning strategies and perspectives on race, gender, class and sexual discrimination. Then mentees are matched with a trained mentor who surveys their interests and concerns and through a range of activities –eg. games, shared reading, gardening, and engagement with social justice activists in Oakland- form a bond. Each in the pair expand their self awareness and capacity for empathy and kindness, while they also give voice to coping strategies navigating challenges in a Title 1 school. Mentoring is designed to fill a serious gap in lower level school services. Pre, mid, and post qualitative and quantitative assessment demonstrates increased self-esteem and resiliency, leading to a more positive school culture and democratic participation in the community.