Paramount: The Great Debate

The Great Debate at Paramount allowed mentees, with the help from their mentors, to practice their public speaking skills as well as their debating skills. As the debates became more intense the mentees became more competitive. All of the mentees had the opportunity to voice their opinions on controversial topics as their mentors watched and supported them.

HBO- Film Project

HBO mentors and mentees were divided into 3 teams for a film project. The teams had assistance from Edgar (who is a film maker) and some of his friends. These are the following titles of the films: Teen Pregnancy, Choices we make, and What’s behind the Mask?. The screening is scheduled to take place on June 2^nd at the Year-end celebration.

MTV: The Great Debate

Mentees from the MTV program participated in a debate session with controversial topics (tagging as a felony, legal drinking age, amnesty for undocumented immigrants etc.) and were challenged to state why their arguments were valid. With the help from their mentors, mentees vocalized their opinions, and in a constructive manner debated with one another. Overall, the session allowed mentees to practice public speaking and active listening.

Odyssey Debate Session

At our Odyssey mentoring session the mentees and mentors where challenged with a debate tournament.This activity helped our youth come out of their shell and transformed them into upcoming lawyers and speakers. We were astonished by how our youth were involved and how they passionately defended their topics. Thank you all for being part of our family!

Paramount (LeConte): Bullying

Paramount's LeConte Middle School program featured the session known as "Bullying." The group was divided into 4 smaller groups each serving a purpose. One of the groups was blindfolded and told to walk a straight line while one group bullied them, another one supported them, and the last group remained neutral. Once the participants were allowed to reflect, personal stories about the effects of bullying were expressed by mentors and mentees.

Rhino: The Game of Life

At our Game of Life session at Rhino, mentees got the chance to experience some of the difficulties and responsibilities that come with being an adult. Mentees were guided by their mentors but ultimately the mentees made decisions such as; what house to buy, or whether to buy accessories for their cars or tires to ensure they have reliable transportation etc. Once mentees were given the opportunity to debrief, many expressed that being financially responsible was vital and many of them stated that pursuing higher education is imperative.

Write the Past, Create the Future

At our WB session, our Mentors and Mentees shared a part of their lives with us through their Poetry. They inspired, motivated and moved us all with their creativity of expression. Thank you all so much for helping us all create the space for healing and appreciation.

MTV: Family Night

Family Night is an opportunity for families of the mentees to meet the mentors, and for mentors to become more familiar with their mentees' family. On this specific day mentees, their families, and mentors from Santee  High School, Jefferson High School, and Viacom respectively, conversed, played games, and became more acquainted with one another. The night concluded with a slideshow which allowed the participants and their families to see what takes place in the mentoring program.