RGV MENTORS
Mission
RGV Mentors matches successful community professionals with aspiring high school students to ensure all participants graduate high school with a college and/or career ready mindset.
Vision
RGV Mentors is a network of professionals created to help facilitate the success of high school students in the Rio Grande Valley through positive mentoring relationships. Working primarily with academically successful students, the mentors will help students identify and pursue goals that will lead the students to success in post-secondary education, in careers, and ultimately in life. The RGV Mentors program will seek out students who would most benefit from mentoring relationships, especially first-generation college attendees and those in financial need. Adult mentors will be carefully selected and will follow a curriculum designed to help guide and enhance their experience. The resulting relationships may continue well beyond high school to ensure that mentees ultimately fulfill their ambitions and develop into citizens who will give back to their communities. The hallmark of RGV Mentors will be its comprehensive, “life-coach” style of mentoring. RGV Mentors plans to honor and celebrate its students at an annual gala which will also raise money for scholarships.
Status of Development
RGV Mentors was founded by Rio Grande Valley native and Harlingen gastroenterologist Nolan Perez, M.D. The organization is in the strategic planning stages and is on a fast track for implementation by 2011. RGV Mentors has assembled a cohort of Rio Grande Valley community leaders whose personal experience has validated the role of adult mentors in helping students succeed.
RGV Mentors has joined forces with Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. which is affiliated with TSTC and has non-profit (501c3) status. Tech Prep is a partnership between education and business that prepares young people for today’s skilled workforce. This partnership involves well established working relationships with high schools, colleges, universities, businesses and governmental agencies throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Beginning with a pilot project in a few school districts, RGV Mentors plans to expand the program rapidly once the program design has been field-tested and refined. Beginning with private-sector underwriting, RGV Mentors plans to grow into a public-private partnership with the aid of foundation, grant money and the Texas High School Project. RGV Mentors is designed to meet the need for a comprehensive mentoring program in the Rio Grande Valley, and there is a potential opportunity to become involved. Individuals or organizations that wish to remain in touch with the program as it develops are encouraged to contact Dr. Nolan Perez at nolan@perezgastro.com.