One of the best ways for Steppingstone to keep in touch with the Scholars
once they have completed 14-month component is through SMASH – Saturday
Mentoring And Study Hall. The primary focus of SMASH is to provide academic
resources and assistance to the Scholars through 12th grade. The program,
however, is also set up to encourage relationships that go well beyond
just academic support.
SMASH is held Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. throughout
the academic school year (see schedule below). During the first two hours, volunteers work
one-on-one with the Scholars to complete their homework or special projects.
Scholars may choose to be paired with the same volunteer each week in
a Mentoring partnership, or to work independently in Study Hall where
various volunteers, referred to as Study Hall Specialists, are available
to help when needed.
The
last half hour is an optional recreational time for Scholars and volunteers
to socialize and play games. Since the Scholars attend schools all across
the city, time with their friends from Steppingstone is a rare opportunity
and a valuable element of SMASH.
Steppingstone’s Mentors and Study Hall Specialists are a group
of adults who value their own education and wish to help others excel
in theirs. The relationships that develop between Mentors and Scholars,
in particular, help the Scholars have confidence in themselves both
academically and personally. The volunteers enjoy a real sense of
giving back to the community as they see the Scholars progress throughout
the year. To find out more about how to volunteer in The SMASH Program,
click here.
