Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders (MTL)

 

 

MTL Coordinator: Kawana Jones

kawana.jones@browardschools.com

MTL Academic Coach: Ariella Batson

MTL Academic Coach: Andre Calixte

MTL is a peer-to-peer mentoring, student leadership and educational reengagement program 
which serves youth who are at risk for not graduating and/or remaining in school. The program 
aims to increase graduation rates and decrease dropout rates, particularly among minority 
males. MTL is based on five pillars:

1. Academic Achievement 
Ninth (9th) and tenth (10th) graders who have earned below a 2.0 grade point average are 
assigned a caring adult-an Academic Coach-and student mentors for ongoing support, 
including learning study skills in a quiet, structured environment (study hall) twice 
per week, as well as receiving support with monitoring and increasing academic progress.

2.  Mentoring 
High achieving  (GPA  3.0  or above)  upperclassmen with demonstrated leadership skills 
participate in a two-year mentor relationship with students who have earned a GPA 
lower than 2.0. This is a structured relationship that is facilitated by MTL program staff. All MTL 
students are exposed to adult role models and mentors from the community during 
monthly workshops,  and from interacting with guest speakers who take part in
the  MTL  Career and  College  Exploration  Series. Monthly  parent education  workshops  to  
cover  topics such  as  Graduation  Requirements, Grading,   Stages   of   Adolescent   
Development,   Academic   Needs  of Adolescents,  etc.  Parent workshops to address  
parental needs, such as; Employability Training, Managing Stress, and literacy classes will also 
be offered while simultaneously developing parent leaders.

3. Family Involvement 
MTL parents and guardians attend monthly parent education workshops that cover topics such 
as; graduation requirements, grading, stages of adolescent development, academic needs 
of adolescents, etc.

4. Community Support 
Community members volunteer to serve as adult mentors and role models, presenters at 
parent and student workshops, guest speakers through the College and Career Exploration 
Series, as well as donors, sponsors and members of the MTL Advisory Board.

5.  Incentives 
Program participants earn several incentives as they work to improve their grades and meet 
 high school graduation requirements. Student mentors also earn incentives as they inspire 
their peers to achieve academic excellence.  These incentives include recognition within the 
school and community, visits to local colleges and post-secondary institutions, and an all-
expenses paid College Tour.