CU 1 to1 Mentoring Open House Set for Friday, Feb. 9

Mayor Marlin Invites Community to Build Foundation for the Future Through Mentoring

Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin cordially invites the community to a CU 1 to1 Mentoring Open House at the Urbana City Building, 400 S. Vine St., on Friday, February 9, 2018 from 9-10 a.m. This informal event will be an opportunity to learn more about the school-based mentoring program in the Champaign Unit 4 and Urbana District #116 schools.

“We’re working to build a strong Foundation for the Future in Urbana,” Marlin said.  “Mentoring the children of Urbana is one of the best investments in our future that we can make as a community. The City of Urbana is proud to collaborate with CU 1 to1 Mentoring and support this valuable community program.” City employees who mentor will be on hand Friday  to answer questions and share their experiences with the program.

A mentor is matched with a student between third and seventh grades. Students who participate in the program are on the brink of successand simply need a little extra support and guidance to achieve their fullest potential. Mentors meet with their mentees for one hour a week during the school day on school grounds. During this time, they can read together, play games, go for a walk, workout in the gym, discuss current events, work on a school project or just talk. Coordinators are available at each school building to provide activity suggestions, training and support.

Mentors are asked to commit for at least one year but encouraged to maintain the mentoring relationship through high school. Students who stay in the program through high school graduation receive a scholarship for continuing education funded by our community partner, the Mentoring Scholarship Foundation.

Research has demonstrated that youth with mentors are more likely to enroll in college, participate in sports and extra-curricular activities, make healthier choices in their personal lives, and pursue leadership and volunteer opportunities. Mentors have likewise reported an enhanced sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction, increased self-esteem, and improved patience and supervisory skills.

For more information, please visit: www.cu1to1.org.