SUNO Athletics Drives Academic Success, Life Skills; Joins Mentoring Program for Sarah T. Reed High School

NEW ORLEANS [December 5, 2024] -- Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Athletics, in collaboration with the College of Education and Human Development, has launched an innovative mentoring initiative at Sarah T. Reed High School (STR). This groundbreaking program, supported by a grant from the National Cares Mentoring Movement (NCMM), aims to equip students in grades 9-12 with critical skills and guidance for their future success.

 

The proposal is the brainchild of SUNO's Chief of Staff Dr. Camicia Smith-Ross; Dean of College of Education and Human Development Dr. Tonya J. Rose; Community Service-Learning Coordinator Cheryl Legohn-Tubbs; Vice-Chancellor, Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Zackeus Johnson; Administrative Assistant, Institutional Advancement Vonda Taplin; Director of Counseling Center & University Counselor Kimberly Paige; and Associate Dean of Students & Director of Student Leadership & Engagement LeAsha Moore.

 

The pilot program connects 28 SUNO students, including 21 student-athletes, with STR students for twice-weekly mentoring sessions lasting 90 minutes. Prior to beginning their mentorship roles, SUNO mentors receive comprehensive training from NCMM on topics such as mental health, financial literacy, and career and college readiness. The program also incorporates the HBCU Rising initiative, which uses a curriculum-based, three-tiered group mentoring model that emphasizes STEM education and personal development.

Dr. Tonya J. Rose, Dean of SUNO's College of Education and Human Development, emphasized the transformative potential of the program. "This partnership is about more than just mentoring—it's about creating pathways for young people to envision and achieve a brighter future," said Dr. Rose. "By fostering relationships between SUNO mentors and STR students, we are cultivating leaders and inspiring change, both in our community and beyond."

 

The HBCU Rising initiative, central to the program's design, addresses the systemic underrepresentation of African Americans in STEM fields. It provides SUNO mentors with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while offering mentoring and after-school support to STR students. By focusing on critical education and life skills, the program seeks to break cycles of poverty and open doors to high-growth, high-income careers for underrepresented students.

 

The program's reach is significant. With 25-30 college mentors, it has the capacity to impact up to 1,200 students annually, providing them with the tools and guidance necessary to thrive academically and socially. Data from NCMM's annual evaluations show substantial improvements in academic performance, social and emotional development, and STEM engagement among program participants.

 

When the program initially faced challenges in recruiting enough participants, SUNO Director of Athletics, James A. Matthews, III, stepped in to ensure its success. "I am a firm believer in the power of athletics to inspire and lead, both on and off the field and court," said Matthews. "Our student-athletes understand the value of mentorship because they've experienced it firsthand. This program allows them to give back, make a real difference, and grow as leaders themselves."

 

The program will make a remarkable impact, with SUNO mentors forming strong relationships with their mentees and helping them navigate academic and personal challenges. The collaboration also offers mentors valuable experience in teaching and leadership, reinforcing SUNO Athletics' commitment to community service, academic excellence, and character development.

 

This partnership represents a shared commitment to uplifting the next generation through education, mentorship, and community engagement. Together, SUNO and STR are paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.

 

For more information about HBCU Rising, visit HBCU Rising. To learn more about SUNO Athletics, visit sunoathletics.com.

 

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