Worcester State University Athletic Mentor Program

WSU Athlete Mentor Program Teams up with May Street School

December 3, 2015
By: Worcester State University News

Every day the week of November 30th, a group of Worcester State University’s AMP members went next door to the May Street School to work with fourth graders in the classroom. Each AMP member works with the students on subjects such as math, reading, and social studies. Whether they are helping the students read a book, or assisting with math problems, it incorporates fun into learning, and allows strong relationships to flourish between the elementary school children and Worcester State’s student-athletes.

“The kids were thrilled to see us and truly enjoyed the time we spent assisting them with their classwork,” said Worcester State football player, Nick Maxner.

In addition to helping with classroom activities, AMP has been involved with a pen-pal program in which the fourth graders communicate via letters with the student-athletes throughout the entirety of the school year. The pen-pals started in September, and met for the first time during the week-long visits. The pan-pals write back-and-forth each month to talk about school, favorite sports, hobbies, family, etc.

“It was nice to meet my pen pal for the first time and I look forward to seeing all of the students again soon,” stated Maxner.

“Our student-athletes are able to see how powerful their presence has on the minds of younger students,” stated Worcester State’s Coordinator of Student Athlete Support Services and AMP Advisor, Kelly Downs. “They are able to encourage their pen pals to work hard in school and inspire them for the bright future ahead of them.”

The pen-pal program will go through the spring semester. In April, AMP will host a field day for the May Street School on John F. Coughlin Memorial Field to conclude the 2015-16 school year together. At this point, the fourthgraders and the AMP members will have a final meeting to say goodbye.

“It’s great to see our athlete mentors so dedicated off the field in guiding the youth to a positive lifestyle,” said Downs.

Written by Nikki Narducci, Sports Information Director

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