Karen Henderson Visits Rotary to discuss the JUMP Johnston schools mentorship programJUMP Mentoring Program--January 24th, 2023.
Karen Henderson joined us today to talk about the Jump mentoring Program at Johnston schools.
JUMP is a one-to-one mentoring program that facilitates one-hour mentoring sessions between a member of the community and a Johnston student in grades 6-12 during the school day. Mentors act as positive role models who listen and help set goals while reinforcing basic skills, attitudes and other life lessons.
JUMP began in 2004 as a program previously called Team Mates. JUMP is set inside the schools in a comforting family room environment. Students engage with their mentor in many ways, from talking, playing games, cooking, and focusing in on areas of interest to the child or mentor. Helping a young person learn life and work skills are the primary goals.
JUMP is currently looking for more people to become mentors/friends with the students and the program can work with almost any busy schedule. There is no age limit to become a mentor. The program resulted in excellent outcomes. There has been a 96% decrease in behavior problems among mentees and 85% improvement in attendance problems.