All children have infinite potential, but in order to unlock that potential they need to know that they have it.
We embrace the model of positive youth development that focuses on the Five Cs:
Competence | Confidence | Character | Caring | Connection
We also stress the importance of a Sixth C: Curiosity.
Children who display these characteristics are more likely to be successful in academics, social situations and life in general.
Relationships are the “active” ingredient in helping children develop these skills.
We also know that in order to succeed, kids need someone who believes in them and aspirations.
Elevators serve as role models and a source of support, but they inspire students to tap into their own passions. As a result, Elevators provide their students with the skills they need to succeed and help their students take flight!
By relying on teacher rather than parent referrals, Education Elevators proactively engages youth who are not typically targeted by community based mentoring programs (e.g. youth whose parents might not take the initiative to involve them and who are more likely to be in need of a mentor).
Teachers and guidance counselors recommend students for the program that would benefit the most from the one on one attention and who would be the most receptive to it.
Teachers can provide Elevators with important information relating to the student’s academic performance, absenteeism, bullying etc. which can make the mentoring relationship more effective.
By engaging in academically focused activities, Elevators, can help improve academic performance directly and can focus discussions on school – including academic and social challenges.
Positive ties with school-based mentors helps youth see other school related adults in a more positive light. Improved teacher relationships then foster other improvements. (For example a teacher’s level of support can influence student motivation to achieve).
Meeting with their Elevators provides children with an incentive to attend school, complete homework, improve academics and classroom behavior.
School based mentoring creates a lower burden (less time commitment and less pressure to determine activities) on mentors than than typical community based mentoring program.
The school context affords easier access to training, support and supervision which decreases program costs.
Education Elevators is a West Virginia based, non-profit organization that partners businesses and organizations with local schools to match their employees with students in need of mentors, role models, friendship, academic support, and individual attention.By impacting individual students, we respond to fundamental needs in our communities.Education Elevators is designed to facilitate and support meaningful mentoring partnerships of businesses and organizations with local elementary schools.
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