Mentoring programs
1
Trailblazers Program
Trailblazers is the central program of The Margaret A. Russ Foundation. At-risk middle school students and their mentors participate in a structured program of support. At-risk middle school students and their mentors participate in an energizing retreat, followed by a seven month structured program that includes monthly team-building and group activities. The program ends with a graduation but the mentor and youth remain together for the following five months.
2
Turnaround Program
Turnaround focuses on students who are in middle and high schools. The goal of the program is to rekindle the youth's commitment to learning and being successful in the classroom. By empowering young people to finish school, mentors are improving the student's success in the work world as adults.
3
Higher Ground Programs
Higher Ground engages youth involved in the juvenile court system. The mentoring relationship is utilized to establish a program of change in the young person's life. The mentor encourages goal-setting, self-discipline, and skill development that improves the young person's sense of hopefulness. Mentors and youth work one-on-one for a year and are also offered opportunities to participate in monthly group activities and outings.
4
Lunch Friends Programs
Lunch Friends works with children from local elementary schools. Adult mentors come to school each week to have lunch with their "friend." The program lasts for the duration of the school year.