"See Me, Be Me"
Mentorship Program
Our Vision and Mission
Jonesboro Business Association (JBA) envisions a thriving future, where every young citizen is equipped with the skills and confidence to achieve their dreams.
The “See Me, Be Me” program is our vehicle for this vision. We connect students with Supportive Non-Parental Adults (SNPAs) who are influential business and community leaders in Jonesboro. Our mission is to nurture life skills, fostering personal growth and empowering students to overcome obstacles in their pursuit of success.
Our Impact
Unlimited opportunities
Objective
Create partnerships with local school districts, matching caring adult volunteers with referred youth. Our focus is on inspiring pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and instilling a sense of hope in the future.
Commitment
We want to empower youth in establishing goals and following through on commitments, nurturing a strong sense of responsibility and dedication.
Possibility
Our mission is to expand the perspective of young people and make them aware of life's endless possibilities, encouraging them to dream big.
support
We believe in the power of a supportive environment. The "See Me, Be Me" Mentorship Program surrounds young people with a caring, inclusive learning environment.
Bridging the Gap for a Stronger Future
Future Focus: To secure a prosperous city in the next two decades, we must invest in our young citizens now. They are the future workforce, homeowners, and contributors to Jonesboro’s growth.
Our goals
- Reduce truancy rates among students.
- Boost academic engagement and cultivate self-confidence, future goal-setting, and connections with SNPAs.
- Long-term objectives: Elevate high school graduation rates, increase college admissions, graduation rates, and workforce readiness after high school.
Our objectives
- In the program year, pair mentors with 350 students through the Living Library.
- Enroll 50 students in the “See Me, Be Me” extracurricular activity during the program year.
The Living Library
Discover more about our ‘The Living Library’ aspect of our mentorship program—an exceptional experience where individuals inspire our students, offering invaluable insights and perspectives.
Transforming Lives in the Short and Long Term
Immediate Impact: We expect to witness an immediate improvement in students’ self-esteem, enhanced academic engagement, stronger SNPAs relationships, and a clearer vision for the next decade as they work towards their dreams.
Fostering Entrepreneurship for a Better Tomorrow
Entrepreneurial Spirit: JBA believes in enhancing the quality of life for students and citizens by nurturing entrepreneurial skills among our youth.
Small Business Initiatives
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Central to our strategy is working alongside students in the “See Me, Be Me” program to develop their futures throughout their educational journey.
Financial Literacy
We strongly believe in equipping young minds with essential life skills. As part of our mentorship program, we provide financial literacy training, teaching students about earning, saving, investing, protecting, spending, and borrowing responsibly.
Our Community of Leaders
Community Commitment: JBA is driven by a diverse coalition of leaders dedicated to empowering Jonesboro. Our community includes entrepreneurs, business owners, media personalities, restaurateurs, real estate agents, politicians, doctors, former college athletes, and more.
Role of Leaders: These individuals actively serve as volunteers and mentors for “See Me, Be Me” classes and the Living Library. They also generously contribute in-kind and financial resources to fulfill our shared vision of a thriving community where everyone is valued and equipped for success.
Our Partners
Annie Camp
Junior High School
Psychology and Counseling Department
Join us
Join us in the “See Me, Be Me” Mentorship program, where lives are transformed, and dreams find wings. Together, we’ll mold a brighter future by promoting empathy, embracing diversity, and unlocking limitless possibilities.
more information
For more information about the “See Me, Be Me” Mentorship Program and the Living Library, please contact Henry Burrell at 870.206.1932.
