COACH Kids kicks off new mentoring program “Friends for Life” with partners Clinton County Purdue Extension, and financial partners Duke Energy Foundation, Partnership for a Drug-Free Clinton County, and Clinton County Community Foundation.
Duke Energy Foundation has donated $5,000 to COACH Kids to match community mentors with high school students all over Clinton County. These mentors will help students identify strengths, passions, and pathways for success after high school.
“We have identified a lack of practical resources that keep our students from finding success in college or career after high school,” states Susan Grasham, Executive Director of COACH Kids of Clinton County. “Many times, it is simple details, like trying to find parking, and misunderstandings that create frustration and deter kids from pursuing their dreams as adults. We believe that mentors can help provide the missing pieces, life experience and encouragement, that can ensure a positive outcome.”
Esmeralda Cruz, Clinton County’s Purdue Extension partner adds, “Deciding a future career path after high school can be a very overwhelming decision for many high school students. Even if they know they plan to attend college, trade school, go into the workforce, etc., there are still many decisions that they will need to make within these options. Because we know that youth many be under a lot of stress when making these decisions, COACH Kids in partnership with Purdue Extension are launching the Friends for Life program this school year.”
“Friends for Life” is a pilot program aimed at students, in grades 9-12, who believe that having a well-trained mentor can help them succeed in life. We hope to grow relationships with local mentors who have been trained in the expectations of high school students, colleges, and other educational opportunities by the Purdue Extension Office of Clinton County. Other partners in this endeavor are the Clinton County Community Foundation and Partnership for a Drug-Free Clinton County.
Applications for students can be picked up in all four of the Clinton County high school guidance offices. Other students may contact the COACH Kids office at (765)654-8812 or[email protected]. Meetings are monthly and on location at the Purdue Extension office, Gem City Junction and via telephone. The start date for the 2021 school year is September 22 at the Purdue Extension Office in Frankfort.