The Project MALES Mentoring Program kicked off the new semester at our 16 schools! The Program is partnered with different school districts in Austin, including Del Valle ISD, Austin ISD, Austin CAN, and East Austin College Prep. This year also marks new partnerships with Dobie Middle School, McCallum High School, and Del Valle High School. We are excited for what is in store this semester as we have reached our largest number of Student Mentors yet with our largest cohort of at 70 who serve as mentors for 250 young men of color in Central Texas!
Dobie Middle School PM Student Mentors led by Delina Zapata
The first week of mentoring started off on the off September 16th, with Project MALES Mentors celebrated the first days with food and snacks to welcome the mentees and to introduce themselves and get to know the mentees at their sites. We are setting the foundation for a year of activities framed under our pillars of Brotherhood, Leadership, College and Career Readiness, Health and Wellness, and Identity. Our Undergraduate Student Mentors were excited and ready to bond with the mentees to have a fruitful semester of mentorship.
We would like to highlight Keelan Johnshon, one of our new student mentors this year, had this to say about the mentor program:
“I have really enjoyed my time working with them thus far and I look forward to continuing and to impact these kids’ lives in the best way I can.”
Travis High School PM Mentors led by Victor Martin
Webb Middle School Dinner photo
Last year was the first year we expanded to Del Valle ISD and served all three middle school. This year we expanded our services to include Del Valle High School and even followed some of the 8th graders we served. We are thankful for the supportive staff at Del Valle High School and look forward to the rest of the year!
Mentors at Del Valle High School
As always, we look forward to great semester filled with bonding and community building. We would like to thank all of the school who participate in the Project MALES Mentoring Program and all of those who support us.
