AFFINITY MENTORING

We match youth in vulnerable circumstances with a caring adult mentor (more than 84% of our students are economically disadvantaged). The goal is for mentors to be a role model, tutor, career coach, and friend. Mentors and program staff work together with teachers and administrative staff to improve students' literacy skills, social emotional learning, career exploration, leadership skills, attendance, and academic achievement.

We address the opportunity gap by serving schools that have high populations of underrepresented, underserved, and economically disadvantaged populations (+84% of our students are economically disadvantaged). The goal is for mentors to be a role model, tutor, and friend. Mentors and staff work together with teachers and administrative staff to improve social emotional learning, leadership skills, attendance, and academic achievement with the ultimate goal of interrupting the cycle of poverty.

We believe in providing quality, accessible education for all students. Affinity believes that high quality, long-term mentoring relationships are an avenue through which youth can have the additional necessary support achieve their full potential and break the cycle of poverty. Mentors are trained and supported by onsite and bilingual staff to serve as an extension of the classroom. Our vision is that every student has a caring adult mentor to help improve academics, social-emotional skills, career exposure, and self-esteem.

Currently we partner with three Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) and are opening a 4th site (Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center) in Fall 2019. Through these partnerships, we provide one-on-one academic and social-emotional support for over 250 students. We meet students where they are at, whether that’s focusing on literacy, math, career pathways, social skills, or leadership it’s up to the students and their mentor. For one hour each week, these mentor matches meet in a dedicated classroom [Mentor Center] to read, play games, do homework, and develop their socio-emotional skills. Through this meaningful relationship, youth are given the supportOur model is unique, we partner with organizations, schools, corporations, and individuals to provide high quality, culturally responsive mentoring to school-age children. A few of our partners include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Erhardt Construction, Gordon Food Service, Herman Miller Cares, Steelcase Foundation, Wege Foundation, and Mindscape. We dedicate our time and resources to improving the educational system and outcomes in Kent County through weekly, school-based mentoring.

We have 17 years of mentoring experience. Over the years, we have found that overall people value and are passionate about mentoring. Feedback showed an appreciation for high-quality mentoring that connects the school, community, mentors, and program. We recognized that the relationship between the mentor and student is an important component but cannot be a catalyst for change without other strategic support for mentorship. We have focused on building mutually beneficial relationships with community organizations, businesses, and schools to strengthen our program.

Our progress:
1) Record number of 244 matches with 95% match retention (one school year)
2) Increase in mentor diversity 3% to 11% (Fall 2016 - Fall 2018)
3) Data sharing agreement with Grand Rapids Public Schools allowing for more thorough outcome evaluation
4) Increase in community partnerships from 4 to 20 (since 2016)
5) Diversified funding (from 100% grant funding to 5 difference types of revenue streams)