Temple, TX- Wildcat Mentors is a friendship based motivational program serving fifth-grade students at each Temple Independent School District (TISD) elementary school. The program aims to connect adults who can help accentuate strengths, counsel and support the students. The program is seeking at least 120 volunteers to be mentors for the 2013-2014 school year. Recruiting new mentors from Temple companies and corporate businesses are a big goal for the program which would further connect the current workforce with the future workforce.
“Participating in the TISD Mentor Program has been one of the most fulfilling things I have done in my life, said Donna Wright, 2012-13 Wildcat Mentor. You understand when you make the commitment to participate that your task is to help support a student in need. What you don’t understand is the profound effect the student will have on you.”
Research shows that students often receive better grades and have fewer discipline problems after having a mentor. Young people with mentors show increased self-esteem and more positive social interactions. Having a mentor reduces the risk that a young person will use illegal drugs or alcohol, and it encourages a student to stay in school.
To become a Wildcat Mentor to a TISD student one must:
• be 18 years old and a high school graduate
• Complete and submit an application
• Complete an informal interview process
• Commit to meet with a student for a minimum of two hours each month throughout the school year
• Consent to an annual DPS Criminal History Check prior to acceptance into the program
•Attend a training session prior to participating in the program
For training dates and times or to reserve a place in one of the training session, contact Nancy Preston, coordinator of counseling services at TISD, 254-215-6959 or visit http://www.tisd.org/ for more information.
About Temple
Temple, Texas, is a community with a diverse economic base that includes healthcare, distribution and warehousing, and manufacturing as its foundation. Within 200 miles of a population of 19 million, Temple is strategically located 65 miles north of Austin on I-35, making it central within the Southwest U.S. marketplace. For more information, visit www.choosetemple.com.
About Temple ISD
TISD Motto: Offering families a GLOBAL education, right here in Central Texas Temple ISD is a 5A school district with two early childhood centers (Pre-K), nine elementary schools (K-5), three middle schools (6-8) two high schools (9-12) and an alternative education campus. Temple ISD serves a very diverse student body of approximately 8,900 students and is the fourth largest employer in Temple with approximately 1,300 employees. Through the years, Temple ISD has produced 200 National Merit Scholar Award winners, including Black Achievement and Hispanic Recognition Scholars.