Growing Kings, Inc. will host its annual 100 Mentors in 100 Days kick-off event at Regions Field on Sun., June 19 at 3 p.m. The event is free for males ages 18 and older who are interested in becoming a Growing Kings mentor.
From June 19 to Sept. 27 the organization aims to recruit 100 mentors for its school-based enrichment program.
“We know that young men who don’t have access to positive male influences are at a much greater risk of dropping out of school or winding up in jail,” said Marcus Carson, executive director of Growing Kings, Inc.
According to a research brief published by Child’s Trend, young males with positive perceptions about their mentor relationship often earn higher grades, are considered to be better students, more likely to go to college and less likely to start using drugs and alcohol.
“When we talk about our future that encompasses the Birmingham youth as a whole. These are our children — why not invest our time into them,” said Birmingham mayor, William A. Bell, Sr.
Growing Kings has established partnerships with local corporations, civic organizations, and university athletic departments who will serve as mentor recruitment pipelines, providing the organization with men from within their establishments to be mentors.
“Mentoring our city’s youth is critical to ensuring a promising future for our communities,” said Alabama Power Human Resource and Ethics vice president, Johnathan Porter.
Once recruited, new mentors will complete a one-day orientation to learn about Growing Kings’ history and their effective teaching practices aimed at supporting at-risk youth. A variety of outreach events will take place over the course of the 100 Days as a way to build community with those involved in the campaign.
Attendance at Regions Field on Sunday will include complimentary food and refreshments, and a ticket for the Barons game against the Mississippi Braves. Registration for 100 Mentors in 100 Days can be done on the Growing Kings’ website, www.growingkings.org.
Growing Kings is a nonprofit organization that provides mentoring services to at-risk male youth in the Birmingham City School System.
