Charleston Young Professionals partner with Be A Mentor to develop future leaders
January 23, 2017
Charleston Young Professionals, a division of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, is partnering with Be A Mentor, a nonprofit organization headquartered in North Charleston, to encourage young professionals’ involvement in the development of our region’s future leaders.
With a rapidly evolving, global economy, the race for talent is increasingly competitive. Charleston Young Professionals is committed to ensuring that future generations are adequately prepared for career opportunities in our state by enhancing the quality of the talent in our region. Through this partnership with Be A Mentor, CYP members will have an active role in supporting the talent needs of targeted industry businesses.
“Young professionals want to be involved in all aspects of the business community,” said Erica Wright, CYP Director. “This partnership gives CYP members another opportunity for high impact, hands-on community involvement.”
“We are excited and proud to partner with CYP and to raise awareness about the importance of mentoring in our community,” explains Eileen Burkhardt, Executive Director of Be A Mentor. “There are so many at-risk kids right here in the Lowcountry that just need to know someone believes in them and through our programs at Be A Mentor, we’re able to connect them with positive, caring adults who will help prepare them for a successful future.”
Be A Mentor has three signature programs throughout the Lowcountry. The Lunch Buddy program fills the need for in-school mentoring for elementary and middle school children. Project SHINE focuses on career exploration, academic success and teaches the importance of setting and reaching goals at the middle school grade levels. The Career Path program matches mentors with high school students interested in similar career areas.
Be A Mentor has five signature programs throughout the Lowcountry. The Lunch Buddies program fills the need for in-school mentoring for elementary children and promotes positive social and emotional development. Project Shine focuses on career exploration, academic success and teaches the importance of setting and reaching goals at the middle school grade levels. The Career Path program matches mentors with high school students interested in similar career areas. Basics Boosters matches adult tutors with students to improve their academic skills in fundamental subjects. The Academic Mentoring program is in partnership with the Carolina Youth Development Center (CYDC) and matches mentors with youth living in residence at CYDC to offer academic support as well as life mentoring
Through weekly meetings, mentors work to instill confidence, build social and emotional skills and ensure that every child has a caring adult in their lives.
Learn more about how you can positively impact the life of our region’s future leaders at our upcoming CYP Be A Mentor information session on January 25 at the Coastal Community Foundation. Contact Erica Wright, CYP Director at [email protected] for more information.
About Charleston Young Professionals
Founded in 1996 by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, Charleston Young Professionals is primary resource for emerging talent by providing professional development, connection and regional educational opportunities to a membership of more than 900 young professional representing numerous industries within the Charleston region.Visit www.charleston-yp.com.
About Be A Mentor
Founded in 2004, Be A Mentor is a nonprofit organization headquartered in North Charleston, SC. Be A Mentor strives to enable youth to develop positive relationships with caring adults in order to empower them to reach their full potential. With the support and partnership of the City of Charleston and Charleston County School District, Be A Mentor’s volunteers work with over 350 students annually across K-12 grade levels in 24 local schools.
