Mentors in Columbus, Ohio are a valuable source of information and support for families dealing with special education topics. Funded by the Ohio Department of Education, these services are free for families and are designed to ensure that the district receives the perspective and input of families. As a trained peer and mentor, I am here to help parents understand the special education process and become better advocates for their children. I was formerly the lead mentor for the Columbus, Ohio project, and I am also a spokesperson for the program which is intended for Columbus State students identified as men who are interested in participating on campus, connecting with other Columbus State men, and receiving mentoring opportunities.
I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the resources available to you and learn about the various mentoring programs offered at C-State and why you might want to participate as a mentee or mentor. Archie Griffin, a Columbus Schools graduate and two-time winner of the Ohio State Heisman Trophy, is another mentor in the program. He is someone who understands the struggles of being a first-generation student and is willing to help you in your academic pursuits. Eligible participants in the program will have access to regular individual counseling, tutoring services, and many other academic-related support services.
Program participants, referred to as mentees, will meet with their mentors at least once a month during the academic year. I am also thrilled to share my passion for water, fly fishing, and adventure as a mentor for the Mayfly Project. The supervision and professional development of Ohio parent mentors are provided by the Ohio State University Employment Education and Training Center, a translational research center that is part of the College of Education and Human Ecology. Sam recently launched an online directory of fly fishing guides and looks forward to participating with the Healing Waters Fly Fishing Project and the Mayfly Project in Columbus.
Mentoring is important not only because of the knowledge and skills that students can gain from mentors but also because it provides professional socialization and personal support to help ensure success in school and beyond. Ed Cohn, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, explained that the Project Mentor plan is an individual program that fosters a mentor-child relationship, focusing on both the academic and personal needs of the child. Columbus State's network of academics includes ongoing mentoring with professional peer-to-peer mentoring, monthly Lunch & Learn workshops, peer support, and other campus resources. For nearly 30 years, Ohio Parent Mentors has been helping families navigate local and state special education processes and services so that children with disabilities can get the most out of their educational experience.
Finding a mentor can be challenging due to time constraints but it is an invaluable resource for college students. Jurgensen said that the health of public education is one of the biggest issues facing not only Columbus but also Ohio as a whole and even our nation. Approximately 20 percent of 5,000 eighth grade students receive tutoring.
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