WHY MENT@L?
MENT@L is free and open to all students, whether they are
struggling in class or passing, but would like higher grades or
an enhanced understanding of a subject. Making MENT@L
accessible to at all levels of academic achievement removes
the stigma of needing “special help” in a class.
MENT@L is free and open to all students, whether they are
struggling in class or passing, but would like higher grades or
an enhanced understanding of a subject. Making MENT@L
accessible to at all levels of academic achievement removes
the stigma of needing “special help” in a class.
OUR HISTORY
At the start of the 2011 school year, a new academic program was fouded by Lansing student, William Lewis, and launched in the Lansing Middle School. MENT@L (MENToring at Lansing, Inc.) began by recruiting Lansing High School students who excelled academically as tutors. These tutors met regularly in the Middle School to assist students with their schoolwork and homework. EXPANSION In 2012, the program expanded to the High School. Now, our tutor group includes students from 8th grade through 12th grade who assist students with their academic needs weekdays throughout the school year. The organization is based on peer-to-peer mentoring and is open to all students. This opens up MENT@L to students at all levels of academic achievement. Additionally, making MENT@L accessible to all students removes the stigma of needing “special help” in a class. Since the launch of the program, MENT@L has reached hundreds of students and received positive feedback. Parents and teachers are encouraged to suggest trying out the MENT@L program to their students. |
INCENTIVES That same year, MENT@L introduced the "Frequent Visitor Card". Students can now earn valuable extra credit just for attending. For each session a student attends, a tutor will initial one of the ten squares on the student's personal visitor card. Once filled up, a card can be turned in to any participating teacher for extra credit. The more students come, the more they earn! COMMUNITY SERVICE In September 2013, MENT@L was recognized as a formal community service activity within the Lansing School District. All peer-to-peer tutors who meet the minimum tutoring hours now earn a community service certificate. NOT-FOR-PROFIT Throughout 2013-2014, efforts were focused on making MENT@L a registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. This was achieved in August 2014. |