Take Mentoring to the NEXT Level

Supporting Students Through Middle School

Kids Hope USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children by connecting them with caring, consistent mentors. Since 1995, we’ve been working with local churches and community partners to establish one-on-one mentoring relationships with students, focusing on their academic, social, and emotional growth.

What is Kids Hope USA Next?

The NEXT program is an extension of our mission, designed to ensure that the students who have benefited from mentoring in elementary school can continue to receive that support as they transition to middle school.

Through NEXT, mentors are committed to following their students into middle school, providing a familiar and supportive presence during this critical time of change. This continuity of care helps students feel secure and motivated as they navigate the challenges of middle school, with a trusted adult by their side every step of the way.

Why Middle School Mentoring Matters

As a middle school administrator, you understand the unique challenges your students face. Transitioning from elementary to middle school is a critical time in a child’s development, and having consistent, positive adult mentorship can make all the difference.

Middle school years can be both formative and challenging for students as they navigate their way toward adulthood. Having a consistent, positive mentor anchors students in the midst of middle-school storms. Research demonstrates that weekly mentoring sets students on a trajectory toward positive social, emotional, and academic outcomes. Ultimately, mentors change lives!
– Dr. Emilie DeYoung, child counselor and clinical director at Winning at Home

student and mentor giving each other a high five

The Benefits of Mentoring for your Students and School

Mentors don’t just help with academics—they also provide emotional and social support. This holistic approach helps students grow in confidence, make better decisions, and stay engaged in their education.

Improved academic performance: Mentors help students stay on track and build stronger study habits.

Better social-emotional development: The mentor relationship provides stability and support, encouraging healthy emotional growth.

Stronger self-confidence and motivation: Students who feel supported are more likely to believe in themselves and succeed.

Reduced dropout risk: Consistent mentorship keeps students engaged and less likely to disengage from school.

No cost to the school: There is absolutely no financial cost to the school. All the program materials, training, and support are provided by Kids Hope USA and our church partners.

Safe and Appropriate Mentors: All mentors are thoroughly screened, including background checks, to ensure that your students are working with trusted and vetted adults.

Adherence to the Separation of Church and State: Our mentors are deeply motivated by their Christian faith, but they are trained to respect the boundaries between Church and State. They understand the importance of adhering to all school rules and regulations while on campus, ensuring that their role is focused solely on providing academic, emotional, and social support to students in a way that is respectful and appropriate within the school environment.

How can Your School Get Involved?

We understand the demands placed on middle school administrators, so we’ve designed this program to be as seamless as possible for you. Here’s what we ask from the school:

Provide Space for Mentoring

We ask for a safe, quiet space where mentors and students can meet each week during the school day. This could be a designated room or a shared space that fits the needs of both mentor and student.

Allow Time for Mentoring

We ask that you allow the mentor and student to meet for an hour (ideally) during the school day, once a week. This dedicated time helps the mentor and student build a consistent, trusting relationship, which is critical for success.

Single Point of Contact

You’ll have a direct point of contact from the partnering church who will coordinate with you to ensure the program runs smoothly and that both the mentor and student are well-supported. We ask that you similarly provide a point of contact on the school’s end.

What are Schools Saying?

Here’s what school leaders have shared about the impact of mentoring:

It’s so obvious the difference they’re making in kids’ lives. It’s one of the most positive things we have going on in Gulf Shores. They’re trained well. They do it right. And they’re committed to your kids. You’d be crazy not to do it.

— Matt Akin, Superintendent

It’s much easier for a student to quit a place than it is to quit a person. So if they have that person that cares for them—that’s checking on them—that lets them know they’re loved—they’re more likely to stay engaged. Everybody needs to know that somebody cares about them.

— Tim Webb, Middle School Principal

Ready to Make a Difference?

Partnering with Kids Hope USA means providing your students with more than just academic support—it means giving them a champion who believes in their potential and is committed to walking alongside them through the middle school years.

Join us in making a lasting impact on your students’ futures by offering them the opportunity to have a mentor who will guide them during these pivotal years. To learn more about how we can partner with your school, please contact us today.

One child. One mentor. Together.

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