The start of the school year comes with its share of nerves, especially for students. But a new program organized by LULAC's education service center hopes to change that.
Thirteen should be a stress-free age, but some Dallas teens worry about their future.
"I didn't pass math and reading. I didn't listen I was playing around to much, " says 13-year-old Perla Diaz.
Diaz is a 6th grader at Greiner Middle School. Diaz is enrolled in a program that will keep her from failing class and keep her on the right path.
"This is going to give this child the idea that somebody else is there to look out for them," says Otis Grey with the local LULAC Educational Service Center.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, the national LNESC office in Washington D.C. is establishing the MODEL Mentoring program in seven cities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including Dallas. MODEL is an acronym for "Mentoring Opens Doors for Emerging Leaders." The goal is to get more Hispanics to graduate from high school and go on to college.
LULAC tells us this neighborhood in Oakcliff was chosen because only 8% of adults here have bachelor's degrees.
"I think we can make a change just by giving back to our community," says Hector Garza.
Garza is currently a Dallas County Assistant District Attorney and an Oakcliff native. He's volunteered for the program.
"If I can get one kid to change maybe by telling his friends he can get 2 or 3 or 4 more people. I want to see people from the area succeed and grow up and be successful individuals."
For kids like Perla, having another adult in her life may make all the difference.
"You're going to have some one like a friend that's there by your side."
The program is still looking volunteer mentors. If you are interested in the program there will be a Mentor Orientation and Training will be Tuesday, August 11 at 5pm at Greiner Middle School 501 S Edgefield Ave in Dallas, Texas.
Food, drinks and prize giveaways will take place. Including, comedy club tickets, hotel packages, and dinner certificates.
Thirteen should be a stress-free age, but some Dallas teens worry about their future.
"I didn't pass math and reading. I didn't listen I was playing around to much, " says 13-year-old Perla Diaz.
Diaz is a 6th grader at Greiner Middle School. Diaz is enrolled in a program that will keep her from failing class and keep her on the right path.
"This is going to give this child the idea that somebody else is there to look out for them," says Otis Grey with the local LULAC Educational Service Center.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, the national LNESC office in Washington D.C. is establishing the MODEL Mentoring program in seven cities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including Dallas. MODEL is an acronym for "Mentoring Opens Doors for Emerging Leaders." The goal is to get more Hispanics to graduate from high school and go on to college.
LULAC tells us this neighborhood in Oakcliff was chosen because only 8% of adults here have bachelor's degrees.
"I think we can make a change just by giving back to our community," says Hector Garza.
Garza is currently a Dallas County Assistant District Attorney and an Oakcliff native. He's volunteered for the program.
"If I can get one kid to change maybe by telling his friends he can get 2 or 3 or 4 more people. I want to see people from the area succeed and grow up and be successful individuals."
For kids like Perla, having another adult in her life may make all the difference.
"You're going to have some one like a friend that's there by your side."
The program is still looking volunteer mentors. If you are interested in the program there will be a Mentor Orientation and Training will be Tuesday, August 11 at 5pm at Greiner Middle School 501 S Edgefield Ave in Dallas, Texas.
Food, drinks and prize giveaways will take place. Including, comedy club tickets, hotel packages, and dinner certificates.
