United Way grant expands schools' mentoring program

The MASTER IT youth mentoring program led in part by Shelby County Public Schools this week received a $20,000 grant from the Metro United Way.

The program, which stands for Mentoring African-American Students to Effectively Reach Intentional Tomorrows, is a community-founded initiative that matches adults and middle school students to help boost academic skills and help make students college ready upon graduation.

Starting with a $1,900 grant last year, the program's mission of increasing scholastic competencies, developing higher educational expectations and improving grades will no doubt get a jump with the increased donation in year two.

SCPS Superintendent James Neihof said in a release that the program has taken an even bigger step this year, partnering with Kentuckiana's Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Neihof cited that non-profit organization's ability to identify and train mentors as a big plus.

"We are honored to add our expertise in child safety, screening, training and supporting mentors and students," said Stacey Hamilton-Nance, chief program officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters said in a release earlier this week. "Shawn Allen [who helped found the program], the MASTER IT committee and Shelby County Public Schools have laid the groundwork with the vision, partnerships and determination necessary for a successful first year of mentoring. All of Shelby County will be positively impacted by this unique partnership."

SCPS  officials did not respond to questions from The Sentinel-News about the number students who participated in the program last year or who may have registered for it this year.