Peer mentorship program supports younger students

Students in Methacton School District’s Community Cares peer mentorship program spent part of their summer developing the skills they will need to support and inspire younger students during the upcoming school year.

As highlighted on the Methacton School District’s official Facebook page, Community Cares high school mentors recently participated in a two-day leadership orientation at Ursinus College to prepare for the program’s second year. During the training, students worked with guest speakers, strengthened their public speaking and leadership abilities, and practiced delivering presentations that will help them lead lessons and activities throughout the year.

As peer mentors, these students will visit classrooms at Skyview Upper Elementary School and Arcola Intermediate School each month, helping younger students build important life skills and fostering positive relationships across grade levels. The program is designed to promote responsibility, respect and meaningful connections while empowering students to learn from one another.

The orientation featured guidance from a diverse group of community leaders and professionals, including Mission Kids Child Advocacy Center CEO Leslie Slingsby, Cornell University Ph.D. candidate and Methacton alumnus Chade Darby, New Pennsylvania Project founder Kadida Kenner, keynote speaker Freddy Shegog, and Representative Joe Webster. Their insights provided students with valuable perspectives on leadership, service and personal growth.

The district also recognized the support of Ursinus College, Methacton Belonging and Climate Facilitator Michaela Zelli and other community partners who helped make the training experience possible.