FUN FACTS ABOUT STEP 1-2-3 MENTOR FOR LIFE INITIATIVE
Step 1-2-3 Mentor for Life Initiative is a 501c3 Organization (documentation available upon request). Our program differs from the usual teacher aide or community-oriented big brother or big sister organization because it focuses on increasing academic achievement for students and developing skills and values employers seek from future leaders. These skills are taught byFUN qualified adults committed to life-long relationships with K-12 students and college students. Each of our board members participates in the program as well.
We are a comprehensive mentoring program. Step 1-2-3 Mentor for Life Initiative is designed to provide training in daily life skills. We help establish goals, encourage extracurricular activities as well as academic excellence, and teach students how to be mentors to their peers. Through a collaborative effort with community leaders, local school systems, supporters, and volunteers, students may participate in this mentor for life program. It has been implemented at local and national levels. We hold an informal meet and greets with our K-12 programs which serve as a recruiting tool for new potential mentees. We develop creative and engaging programming to foster business and life skills along with academic connections.
COMMITMENT
“We aim to be intentional about learning innovation. “As Iron Sharpens Iron, so a Friend Sharpens a Friend,” Proverbs 27:17 is our mission statement. We committed to helping you sharpen the best parts of your student with our experience, our bonding, our encouragement, and our guidance through the steps of becoming a self-sufficient and self-empowered leader.”
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Within our K-12 programs, we provide academic assistance through our mentors. In our programs, we help provide encouragement and academic/extracurricular steering to help participants excel. In our new Step 1-2-3 Virtual STEM Summer Camp, in response to a need in the community due to COVID-19, we help expose students to areas such as: Science, Medicine (COVID-19), Technology and Robotics, Engineering, Patent Law, and Mathematics. We would appreciate your financial support. Finally, in our projects, we provide resources and community skills building services
PRESENTLY WE NEED FUNDING FOR THESE FOUR GOALS
- Providing background checks on those applying to be leaders and instructors.
- Developing additional research data to explore the overall effectiveness of the program.
- Increasing dynamic programming in the areas in which we serve by providing instructors and motivational speakers with funds necessary to help our students grow;
- And finding additional ways to influence the community to provide scholarships for career fields our students and mentees aim to enter.
BECOME A MEMBER
We specialize in continuous long-term and meaningful mentorship. Please join us. As little as 1 hour a week can change a life #Step123Mentor #MentoringMatters
COLLABORATE WITH US
- Our Annual I AM LOST Member Training Conference ($5,000)
- Our Virtual Graduation ($3,000)
- Our 6 Week Step 1-2-3 Virtual STEM Summer Camp ($30,000)
- Our Projects (prices vary per project, but every little bit helps)
- Recruit a Committee of Volunteers for our project collaborations within your orgs
A Word
From Our Founder
“We have seen many kids helped by mentors, but we have also seen those same kids receive mentoring for a few years until that well-meaning young adult graduates or leaves the city, and then what happens to that student? That process has contributed to the problem. The volunteerism today that we see students encouraged to do seems to fill a line or space on a resume and live in a check listed childhood. We refuse to do this to our students. There is no checklist for childhood. We will ask them how they are, what they dream about, and encourage them to chase those dreams. In doing mentoring, our founder served as a summer camp counselor for over nine and half years. She noticed that kids want to be loved and have structural support.”
Testimonials
What Parents Are Saying
Candace Jones, Step 1-2-3 Virtual STEM Summer Camp 2020, Parent:
“Initially I had no idea what to expect from a virtual camp. I just knew I wanted our son to have something positive to do to keep him busy this summer since we couldn’t physically attend a camp. Step 1-2-3’s virtual camp exceeded every expectation I had! The core instructors came prepared to engage the kids every single day! The weekly special instructors and the guest speakers all bought something unique to the experience as well and seemed to reach each child’s future goals and current interests. My son was able to virtually interact with children his age and older which offered an experience for him to grow and meet other kids. We loved how the camp recognized the children for their efforts and achievements and how they rewarded them for camper of the week, great participation, etc. Thanks for an awesome summer experience Step 1-2-3!”
Ms. Allen, Step 1-2-3 Virtual STEM Summer Camp 2020, Parent:
“At the end of 6 weeks, my 3 teenage boys said “Thank you for forcing us into this class” ” I understand better how to carry a conversation and ask questions” “The information on Scholarships and college was my favorite part.” This program has a vast wealth of knowledge and great staff who truly care about the students.”
What Supporters Are Saying
College Mentor success story:
“I love my mentee! We have so much in common! We were on the phone for two hours.”
Shannon Hamner, Counselor at Middle School Program:
“Step 1,2,3 Mentorship for Life is a valuable program that has been made available to the middle school students I counsel. As a school counselor, I believe that the mentor/mentee relationship is an opportunity for students to confide in a trusted supporter who is an added support to the individual and the school. Mentors in Step 1,2,3, listen to both what is being said and how it is being said. They help mentees solve their own problems rather than giving directions. Information that that Step 1,2,3 mentors provide to students helps them toward developing better study habits, improving peer relationships, respecting the schools and school officials while benefiting from the emotional support that grows in the mentor/mentee relationship.”
Middle School Mentor success story:
“Day 1 and had a good chat with mentee about being assertive, versus passive or aggressive! Talking about long-term goals yesterday was an awesome inspiration.”
Principal at Collins-Riverside Middle School (home of our Tuscaloosa Middle School Inaugural Program), Craig Henson:
“While it is often hard to measure the benefits yielded from an effective mentoring program, research soundly proves the expansive and wide-ranging benefits of the many facets offered through a mentoring program. Even though data measures may not evidence the full range of benefits our students will experience because of any specific program, the hope and chances of making a difference in the lives of our students far outweighs whether or not we will have immediate feedback evidencing the program’s imminent successes.”
Marlana Mason, Counselor at Middle School Program:
“It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend the Step 1, 2, 3 Mentor for Life Program. The program, headed by Neena Speer, is dedicated to the improvement of students. The mentors work with the students to promote positive changes in social behaviors and increase their academic achievement. The director, as well as the mentors involved, are professional, ethical, and dedicated to the success of the individuals they encounter within the program. As a counselor at a school where Step 1, 2, 3 Mentor for Life is being implemented, I have seen the positive changes this program has on students. It is amazing how students will rise to high expectations when they know someone is genuinely committed to helping them be their best self. Step 1, 2, 3 Mentor for Life is committed, and I highly recommend this program.”