Mentoring

Enter any Richland Two school and you are sure to find mentoring programs like Mentors Matter, Lunch Buddies and REACH (Readers Enthusiastic About Climbing Higher). While the district is no stranger to connecting kids with good role models, there is an effort underway now to enhance the experience.

Past events include:
Bow-ties and Brunch — This event brought together several hundred boys and their mentors to discuss mentoring goals, including service learning, goal setting, and principles of life. The event was the first step to prepare mentees to host a student-led leadership conference the following spring during which older mentees conducted workshops (centered on the district's mentoring goals) for younger mentees. Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and Richland County Council Chairman Tory Rush spoke to the audience.

The Girls and Pearls conference —This event for elementary, middle and high school girls was attended to more than 500 girls from across the district. The girls learned how much they matter and connected with mentors who will help provide guidance in their lives. WACH FOX Anchor Janet Parker spoke at the event and shared her "Pearls of Wisdom" during a table talk activity. Women from various employment sectors of the community from city manager, judges, and principals, to church, business and law enforcement leaders have been invited to participate.

Draft Day GPS: Goals, Principles, Service — This basketball-themed mentoring event held at Richland Northeast High School focused on male empowerment and the three core principles of Richland Two's Mentoring Framework: Goal Setting, Life Principles, and Service to the Community. Speakers and activities will focus on how these principles encourage academic success. High school mentors will conduct character-building activities while working alongside community leaders to teach basketball skill and drill sessions.

Girls Litt — More than 500 elementary, middle and high school girls attended the Richland School District Two, Girls L.I.T.T. - Learning Interactively through Teamwork conference. This is the second year for this new mentoring initiative. Learning objectives include goal setting, having a responsible social media presence, healthy relationships, teamwork, dining etiquette, service learning and career awareness.