Ollie E. Culbreth, Jr. School (P.S. #14

Grades PreK–8 • Jersey City, New Jersey

With urban problems filtering into the school daily, it became clear to the staff at the Ollie E. Culbreth, Jr. School that they needed to go beyond traditional educational instruction and remediation in order to reach their older students. The goals of the ACE Team mentoring program were to:  enable every child to reach his or her learning potential; move students to success one day at a time; and help students to prepare for the world of tomorrow. The three tenets of the program are to be an advisor (A) to be a confidant (C), and be an exemplar (E). Every sixth-grade student is assigned an ACE Team mentor, with some mentors partnered with one or two students. Partnering was done carefully to ensure a compatible match and was based on students’ individual needs. Mentors and students were trained about the program, with mentors instructed to meet weekly with their student. The ACE Team meets throughout the year for feedback and to address questions and issues that arise. The May meeting offers reflection and evaluation, and goals are set for the next year. Progress is evident by improving grades and students sharing more with their mentors.