HELP SHOW ME THE WAY - MENTORING PROJECT CONNECTS WITH STUDENTS

Help Show Me The Way - Mentoring Project Connects with Students

Through generous support from a grant awarded by KCTCS, the college successfully launched a weekend mentoring program for underrepresented male students from the Hopkins County School District. For many years, the college’s Director of Diversity Programs, James Bowles, has led the GLAD Summer camp for middle school and elementary students. The GLAD campers always have a fun summer filled with engaging classes and field trips. During the summer classroom sessions, students experience hands-on learning activities and receive support and encouragement to continue their education beyond high school. Alumni of the GLAD Summer camp had always asked for something during high school, and through this grant opportunity, the college was finally able to offer something to the young men of Hopkins County.

During the semester-long effort, fifteen students participated at some point in the weekend program. These sessions were focused on career and life planning, critical thinking, making good choices, and the steps needed to attend and enroll in college. The mentoring program culminated with a collaborative trip with the GLAD Summer camp students to various educational sites in Nashville such as the Nashville Entrepreneurial Center, Fisk University, and the Nashville Science Center.

The success of this program is owed in part to the support and collaboration of our community partners and members, including DP Productions, ELI Operations, and MCC staff.