The Fountain Hills Mentor Program is aimed at developing youths’ confidence, competence and character by providing trusting relationships between young people and individuals. Some mentors work with their students in areas they struggle with, while others are on-hand to provide more challenging work for students who excel. Mentors choose the grade level they prefer to work with.

Jeannie Ryan, coordinator of the mentor program, recently presented the 2016/17 Mentor Program Evaluation, which surveyed mentors, teachers and parents involved with the Golden Eagle Education Foundation, which coordinates local mentors.

She reported that 82 mentors worked with 136 students this past school year. Ninety-three percent of the mentors reported seeing improvement in their student’s overall work. Ninety-seven percent regularly did schoolwork with their student, with 72 percent doing socialization and life skills while others worked on behavior.

In the parents’ survey, 93 percent of the parents who took part said they would like to see their child continue with the mentor program and that it had been helpful in assisting their child achieve goals and meet with success. One parent said their child, “benefited by having another adult that she can trust and talk to and share.”

Teachers involved reported that the mentor program was beneficial to students. Eighty-two percent reported improvement in self-confidence. One teacher said, “the mentor program has contributed to increased academic and social-emotional growth for my three students.”

For those interested in getting involved with the local mentor program, visit thefhmp.org.