Mentor-U program unites Jackson middle school and college students

JACKSON, Tenn. — The rain didn’t keep a special group of students from celebrating this afternoon. The Mentor-U program is a partnership between the five colleges in Jackson and North Parkway Middle School 6th graders.

Organizers say they use this program to encourage these young kids at such a pivotal moment in their life. Today was their end of the year party at the ballgame, celebrating a successful inaugural year. “It’s helped me relate better because they are teaching me so many new things every day,” says Union University student and mentor Marissa Infield.

North Parkway Middle School Sixth Grader Jaquelin Vasquez says, “She inspired me by giving me the confidence to like talk and get to do
new things and not just like stay in the shadow.”

More than 30 students from the middle school participated this year with an equal number of college student mentors and other volunteers. The kids were presented with a certificate and a journal for finishing the year.