Fifty Caribou students, representing grades 8-12, are involved in mentor/leadership training provided by the National Quaglia institute for Student Aspirations. The third of eight monthly sessions at Caribou High School was conducted by Quaglia Institute trainer, Greg Fortier of Orono, on Wednesday, January 18. The training is funded through the Caribou-UMPI Partnership for College Success grant, sponsored by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

According to Mike McCormack, Partnership for College Success coordinator, "The sessions are designed to introduce student leaders to the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to responsibly assume leadership roles within their school and communities." He added that mentors will also be trained to help students develop skills to help their mentees foster high aspirations and experience greater school success.

The leaders who choose to mentor and tutor will work with students enrolled in elementary and middle school students enrolled in CHAMPS, an after school program.

Beth Alden, CHAMPS director, looks forward to incorporating student mentors/tutors into her program. These students will have an opportunity to build a friendship with a mentee and model time management and study habits, including homework preparation.

The Quaglia Institute focuses on inspiring teaching and learning through "8 Conditions

That Make a Difference: belonging; heroes; sense of accomplishment; fun & excitement; curiosity & creativity; spirit of adventure; leadership & responsibility; confidence to take action. According to Fortier, "The third training session focused on creating a sense of belonging as a school climate component."

As the program develops, efforts will be made expand mentoring and tutoring to high school students. The Partnership for College Success not only emphasizes helping students transition successfully from high school to college, but from middle to senior high school. The mentoring model can become another successful tool to assist students in making the social and academic transitions required for success.