January is National Mentoring Month and in Round Rock ISD we’re embracing the opportunity to say “thank you” to our 319 mentors who serve elementary, middle and high school students on all 54 Round Rock ISD campuses.

“Students with mentors, who need and want them, have shown to do better in school, develop greater confidence and make better decisions,” said Round Rock ISD Mentor Coordinator Dawn Steele. “Specifically, more male mentors are needed.”

Adult mentors receive training before being matched with a student mentee. Matches are determined by interests and location. The STARS mentoring program receives joint funding with a grant awarded by United Way of Williamson County, Round Rock ISD, and the Round Rock ISD Partners In Education Foundation.

National Mentoring Month launched in 2002, originated by the National Mentoring Partnership and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The month-long campaign focuses national attention on the need for mentors, as well as how each of us—individuals, businesses, government agencies, schools, faith communities and nonprofits—can work together to increase the number of mentors to help ensure positive outcomes for our young people.