3M Latino E-Mentoring Program

In each of the past four years, a group of Harding students in Martha Peterson’s History Class has been working with 3M mentors under the Latino Consent Decree. With the help of Assistant Principal and Title I Coordinator, John Andrastek and 3M retired representative Dick Streeper, the students e-mail their mentor every two to four weeks with guiding questions prepared by Bonnie Vagasky from Best Prep.

The E-Mentoring Program promotes self-esteem, good manners, good behaviors, and good study habits, plus encouraging Latino students to complete high school and to go on to college.

Mentors sometimes visit students during the year. Some mentors also tutor students in math and English and do presentations for the students about their jobs, the places they visit, and how they became 3M employees.

Once a year, the mentors, students and parents meet at the school. It is a very nice evening where parents get to know the person their students admire. Dinner is provided by Title I funds. Near the end of the year, the mentors invite all the students to visit 3M. Students tour the facilities and have lunch with their mentor. Students receive a certificate of participation they can use for their portfolio.

It is truly a great program!