Our young men need us. There are too many of them that are misinformed, miseducated, and misguided during their transition out of high school. The wrong choice can lead young adults to choices that have long-term effects that impede on their personal goals. How many lives can be affected? How many lives can we save? How many young leaders could we have? If we help guide our youth at this critical stage in their lives and not wait for them to “mature” into their own by themselves. Our city would be filled with young leaders pushing Peoria to heights unreached. I challenge our community to find ways to get involved in mentoring our youth. Whether that’s through the “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” initiative or another medium. Let’s all get involved in mentoring our youth.
The “Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College” program, established in 1922, concentrates on the importance of completing secondary and collegiate education as a road to advancement. Through the Go-to-High-School, Go-to-College educational initiative, young men receive information and learn strategies that facilitate success. The two primary vehicles to facilitate this program are:
Mentorship Program has been established at Manual High School and Quest High School since 2014. This program provides young males (8th — 12th grade) with positive role models and the skills necessary for academic success and productive citizenship. The program emphasizes positive self-esteem, health and wellness, leadership training and development, community service, and career exploration.
College Readiness is an extension of GTHSGTC mentorship program and used to establish and prepare young males (8th – 12th grade) for college and the post-secondary challenges they are sure to face. We focus on scholastic achievement, choosing the right college, SAT/ACT prep, finding scholarships and best practices on the journey towards graduation. The young men receive hands on experiences to open their minds to varying career paths, and post-secondary avenues for success. The members of Kappa Pi Lambda Chapter serve as mentors for the young men in the GTHSGTC program.
The “Go to High School, Go to College” mentorship program meets twice a month. Every third Wednesday from 1:30 – 2:30 @ Manual High School and mentees meet once a month with chapter members on a chosen weekend day to complete different community initiatives. Each session is strategically thought out by the mentors to address issues that are relevant to the young men. Each lesson is designed so that the mentees in these programs can take and share what they’ve learned with their community.
For more information about getting involved in the “Go to High School, Go to College” mentorship program or general inquiries, email: greg.wilson1906@gmail.com.
The Traveler Weekly 