Williamsport Vision Team seeks volunteer teachers for mentorship program
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The Williamsport Vision Team is looking for passionate volunteer teachers to be part of their mentorship program for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, the nonprofit group said in a press release.
"The Williamsport Vision Team is made up of four Williamsport community leaders that believe every child deserves the opportunity to unlock their potential and achieve their dreams," the press release said.
"As mentors, we understand the unique challenges and barriers that black male students face, and we are committed to providing the support they need to overcome them," the release said.
"Through personalized guidance, we help students develop a passion for learning and foster a mindset that anything is possible," the group said in a press release.
The mentors can be either active or retired teachers, and would be needed each Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for the program, which will be held at Curtin Intermediate School, as well as the middle school.
"We are targeting young African American boys, starting at the sixth grade level," president Ron Johnson, pastor for the Diamond Street Christian Church, said.
The program began with a vision from Agape Fellowship of the Mennonite Church Pastor Dale Rintelman, who recognized that many opportunities afforded to the white community are oftentimes not extended to those of color.
"They can both have the same level of talent, but that opportunity will probably go to the young white boy before the young black boy, because of the stereotypes people see when they look at him," Johnson explained.
"When I look at children, I see pure goodness," Johnson said.
"And, we noticed that schools can only go so far, so we want to pick up where they leave off," the pastor explained.
"We know that there may be a behavior problem, we know that there are a lot of African American boys that do not have a father figure in the home, and that makes a difference," Johnson said.
"We want to show these young boys that hey, 'you are seeing yourself in me, and I'm not doing all this crazy stuff going on in the streets," he said.
"We want to give them an opportunity so they don't have to sell drugs, or commit other crimes," Johnson said.
"When you see me, you see you. I can do it. You can do it," he explained.
The Williamsport Vision Team is also looking to partner with other local entities to expand diverse learning opportunities and resources across the area, according to the press release.
"Ultimately, Williamsport Vision Team is a support system that will ensure that every student feels valued and empowered to achieve their goals and become productive members of society," the press release said.
Those interested in volunteering in the mentorship program are encouraged to contact Johnson at 570-974-8681, vice-president Reginald Fatherly at 570-560-1028, or check out williamsportvision.org/about/the-vision/ for more information.