Tri County started a Teammates Mentoring chapter about nine years ago.
The school-based mentoring program was founded by Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne in 1991. Then the Nebraska Cornhuskers head football coach, Tom Osborne believed the athletes on his team could have a positive impact on middle school students. Twenty-two students from Lincoln Public Schools were matched in a mentoring relationship with football players.
Of the 22 students, 21 went on to graduate from high school. One of the students left high school to pursue a successful motocross career. Of the original students, 18 went on to complete a post-secondary education.
Currently there are more than 200 Teammates Mentoring programs in schools in five states. The program has served over 49,000 students since 1991.
The mission of the program is to positively affect the world by inspiring students to reach their full potential through mentoring.
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Teammates trains adult mentors and students in third to 12th grade with a focus on developmental relationships and strengths. Mentors meet with their mentees in the school once a week for 20 to 30 minutes to talk, play a game, do a craft or maybe take a walk.
Data indicates that students involved in a mentoring relationship have increased attendance, improved academics and relationships, and increased hope.
Co-coordinator Dave Rosenbaum said the community has helped make the chapter successful. They have 15 board members and 55 matches at the school.
"The two best things about working with Teammates Mentoring program is the smiles on both mentee and mentors that I see during match meetings," he said. "And the buy in and support from both teachers and administrators in our Tri County community. It's amazing."
Current CEO DeMoine Adams announced on Oct. 9 that Teammates Mentoring was named a recipient of the READ Literacy grant through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
One of the goals of the grant is to match elementary students with below average reading proficiency with a Teammates mentor. Partnering with Linked2Literacy, students may get a tote of books to take home and keep. The schools also receive activities, games and books for the library.
Tri County is one of the schools that has chosen to be a part of the second year of funding. As a part of the grant, the elementary received a book vending machine. Co-coordinator of the Tri County Teammates chapter, Erica Barela, said the machine offers books that can be taken home.
“The vending machine allows students to have a new book of choice and ownership while boosting literacy in a fun way,” she said. “It’s a great way to positively recognize these students who are working so hard to improve literacy and comprehension.”
Kathryn Katz, school librarian, has also included the vending machine in the elementary school “Wheel of Destiny,” a prize wheel that is part of the schools Positive Behavioral Interventions Support program.
“For some students, part of the thrill of the vending machine is the excitement of a brand-new crisp book of their own,” Katz said.
Elementary Principal Jesse Gronemeyer said the students have been excited to see the new addition to the elementary.
“Our first book out of the machine was chosen by student Mia Wollenburg for outstanding integrity when she returned a $20 bill,” he said.
The Tri County Teammates chapter will be responsible for book refills of the machine.
Other area school districts that have Teammates Mentoring include Beatrice, Fairbury and Freeman. More information on other chapters, becoming a mentor or making a donation can be found at www.teammates.org.
