In honor of National Mentoring Month, GOAL Digital Academy proudly features its unique one-on-one mentorship program. This initiative is particularly significant as it aligns with GOAL Digital Academy’s commitment to fostering personal and academic growth in students through dedicated mentorship. Each student at GOAL is paired with a staff mentor, offering guidance in academics, attendance, life challenges, and overall well-being.
The mentorship program is designed to provide students with a unique, personalized educational experience. Mentors are committed to connecting with students weekly, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest news and feel a strong sense of connection and community while completing their education in an online environment. Early Warning indicators such as high levels of absenteeism and recurring behavior problems are significantly decreased when mentorship is introduced. According to the Public/Private Ventures Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters, students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a class. Mentoring is a pivotal approach to creating an environment where students feel supported and motivated.
Beyond Academics: A Holistic Approach to Mentorship
Mentorship at GOAL is not limited to academic guidance. It extends to helping students navigate life's challenges, offering support in areas like time management, mental health, and personal goal setting. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-equipped to handle both their studies and personal lives, promoting resilience and self-confidence. Data from the Mentoring Effect suggests that young adults who face an opportunity gap but have a mentor are 55% more likely to be enrolled in college than those who do not have a mentor. In addition to better school attendance and a better chance of going on to higher education, mentored youth maintain better attitudes toward school. (The Role of Risk, 2013)
A 2023 graduate of GOAL Digital Academy, Camille Churn, commented on the impact of this program:
"Having a mentor who was checking on me every week was very beneficial. It helped me realize that I was not alone in the school process. When I would reach out to my mentor and talk to them about how I was feeling or what I needed help with, I was able to learn from their response. I felt like there was no amount of schoolwork or challenge that I could not overcome." Camille is a first-year student at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia.
A Commitment to Support and Empowerment During National Mentoring Month
Recognizing the importance of mentorship in educational and personal development, GOAL Digital Academy features this program during National Mentoring Month to highlight its commitment to empowering students. GOAL believes that through one-on-one mentorship, students can achieve their full potential and overcome any challenges they face in their educational journey.
Director of Partnerships and Family Engagement, Jessica Caughlan stated: "Since the inception of GOAL's mentorship program in the winter of 2020, it has impacted the way we connect with our students and their families. This program has bridged any existing gaps, fostering a deeper, more meaningful collaboration between staff and families. Our staff members take immense pride in this initiative, as it allows us to make a positive difference in the lives of each student, guiding them not just academically, but in their personal growth and development. This program isn't just about education; it's about building a supportive community that uplifts and empowers every student we encounter."
GOAL Digital Academy is a leading online educational institution, offering cutting-edge digital learning experiences. Dedicated to nurturing future leaders, the academy provides a flexible and supportive online learning environment, enhanced by innovative teaching methodologies and advanced technology.
For additional details about the one-on-one mentorship program or to enroll, please contact our Director of Partnerships and Family Engagement, Jessica Caughlan at jcaughlan@mygda.org.