Charleston, W.Va. – Representatives of the Education Elevators (EE) program today announced a new mentoring partnership between Columbia Pipeline Group (CPG) and Edgewood Elementary School in Charleston.

EE Executive Director Allison McJunkin said the new partnership will connect CPG employees and professionals with individual students for the purpose of mentoring, friendship and academic support.

According to McJunkin, following the EE model, CPG mentors will meet with their students for 30-45 minutes each week to play games, read books and participate in other activities both parties enjoy. Throughout these sessions, Elevators will also serve as role models and sources of support, while inspiring students to tap into their own passions. Ultimately, the Elevators will help provide their students with the life skills and self- esteem they need to succeed.

“We are tremendously excited to have Columbia Pipeline Group join EE as a partner with Edgewood Elementary,” McJunkin said. “For several years, EE has been active in Kanawha County elementary schools; teaming up representatives of Jackson Kelly with students of Piedmont Elementary and partnering employees of Energy Corporation of America with those at Chamberlain Elementary. We are very pleased to now bring our unique and effective mentoring model to the children of Edgewood!”

According to McJunkin, time and time again, research has shown that the presence of a caring adult role model is the most important factor in determining who and what a child becomes. And, the EE model has proven to help students build self-esteem and self-confidence; improve academic performance and attitude toward school; elevate educational aspirations; enhance communication and social skills; encourage better behavior at home and at school; strengthen relationships with parents, teachers and peers; improve overall decision-making skills; enhance a student’s sense of self and future and improve overall emotional well-being.

Kelly Weikle, CPG lead program coordinator said, “Not only is this program beneficial for schools and students, but it’s beneficial to the business partner too. Programs like Education Elevators are essential to employee satisfaction and retention.”

McJunkin said, “Our mission is to promote the abilities and aspirations of students, ultimately helping make them more confident in themselves and receptive to learning. Elevators commit to meet with the student they have been matched for at least one academic year, but we find that in many cases after a strong relationship has been formed, Elevators continue with their student for many years. The EE relationship is truly a win-win relationship for the volunteer and student alike.”

EE partners businesses and organizations with local schools to help “elevate” the abilities and aspirations of students. Volunteers from the business (Elevators) are paired with students in need of mentors, role models, friendship, academic support and individual attention.