Congressman Carson Introduces Bill to Strengthen School-Based Mentoring Programs and Address High School Dropout Rates
Congressman Carson Introduces Bill to Strengthen School-Based Mentoring Programs and Address High School Dropout Rates
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman André Carson introduced the Transition-To-Success Mentoring Act, legislation that would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to award grants to local education agencies to prepare at-risk students for transition from middle school to high school.
Research shows that school-based mentoring is an innovative supplement to the traditional learning that takes place in the classroom. Mentoring provides underserved and at-risk students with much needed attention and support to help keep them engaged in school.
"In communities throughout the nation, too many young men and women are falling through the cracks of our educational system. It is a systemic failure that upholds generational poverty and puts unneeded stress on our economic recovery," Congressman Carson stated. "School-based mentoring programs are backed by strong research and show that small adjustments can make a big difference as we push kids towards academic and long-term success."
In an effort to combat the nation's high school dropout rate and better prepare middle school students for the future, the Transition-To-Success Mentoring Program will empower students to develop and execute a plan for academic progress with the assistance of a school faculty member or volunteer from the community known as a "Success Coach."
During middle school, many students struggle to balance priorities between school, peer groups and lives at home. The Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act will help provide some of the most vulnerable students with individual attention to help cross the bridge toward high school, college and a career.
The Transition to Success Mentoring Act makes an investment in our children by:
Providing $50 million in funding for grants so that schools and partner organizations have the necessary resources to strengthen mentoring programs.
Targeting at-risk students who have been struggling in school and giving technical support for teachers, parents/guardians, and volunteers to identify the weaknesses of the students and make a plan to improve the academic outcome.
Providing resources to help improve academic performance, as well as behavior and social involvement.
Supporting the ongoing relationship between the mentor, referred to as a Success Coach, and the student so that the student has an advocate dedicated to following through on the student's plan for success.