United Way calls on South Hills community to mentor local students
For nearly a decade, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has paired volunteer mentors with local middle school students.
With the help of a grant from KeyBank, United Way has expanded the program year after year, moving into the Mon Valley this year and into the South Hills in the past few years.
“It’s important to us to continue expanding this program, so we can reach more and more students with a positive role model, someone who will show up for them every week,” Damon Bethea, United Way mentoring projects director, said.
In a recent study conducted by the organization, more than 90 percent of parents of participating mentees said their students were more positive about school, had better attendance and seemed to be more responsible. Research also has shown that mentoring delivers academic and character improvement, along with better awareness of career paths.
“After seeing the direct impact mentors are having on local students year after year, we are encouraged more than ever to recruit local volunteers to mentor,” Bob Nelkin, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, said. “Be a Middle School Mentor is improving the lives of youth throughout our community.”
The program is part of United Way’s United for Children impact work, which focuses on building strong academic skills and character through relationship-based initiatives and meaningful programs.
Students at South Hills Middle School in Pittsburgh Public Schools need mentors for this academic year.
“We hope local caring adults see the value in helping a student in their community by signing up for this once-a-week opportunity,” Bethea said.
The Be a Middle School Mentor program takes place at the school every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m.
In addition to South Hills Middle School, United Way still needs mentors across the region, including sites in Mon Valley, Squirrel Hill and the North Side.
For more information, visit uwswpa.org/be-a-middle-school-mentor.