Program encourages state employees to mentor students

The program, Missouri Mentor Initiative, begins immediately as a one-year pilot project, after which it will be evaluated to measure benefits and participation. Kinder’s office will coordinate and manage the program.

Blunt created the initiative by executive order to encourage state employees to participate in mentoring programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, according to a news release from Blunt’s office. A maximum of 200 state employees at a time can spend up to one hour a week and up to 40 hours a year working with students during the school day.

“It combines two of our state’s greatest resources, state employees and young Missourians, to form a partnership that offers immeasurable long-term benefits for students who need an adult role model in their lives,” Blunt said in the news release.