Georgia State University Perimeter College – Decatur created the Learning, Income and Family Transformation (LIFT) program in 2017 with the support of State Farm. The program aims to improve student success rates by combining data-driven academic advisement and support with scholarships, employment opportunities and leadership training.

The first of the State Farm Scholars are expected to graduate in the next three semesters at a rate of 85 percent – five times better than the university’s overall graduation rate. The support from State Farm for the LIFT program has likely transformed the lives of these students and their families.

“The State Farm Scholars’ journey over the past two years has been nothing short of inspirational,” says DeWayne Griffin, Enterprise Technology Executive – Data. “It’s a proud moment to witness them and their families’ excitement, as well as playing a part as an organization in helping them realize their post-secondary educational dreams come true.”

State Farm Education Assist, part of the Neighborhood of Good^®, provides funding for a series of full-ride scholarships for these State Farm Scholars. The program expands staff support, supports emergency grants to help students cover life’s necessities, funds a mentoring program and supports financial literacy programming for students and families in South DeKalb communities.

State Farm employees volunteer time and expertise to these programs and students through professional development and networking opportunities. State Farm agents provide internship opportunities.

“The GSU LIFT/Education Assist is a unique public-private partnership that has been and will continue to be instrumental in transforming lives and creating a path for upward economic mobility in South DeKalb County,” says Mark Robinson, Philanthropy analyst. “The fact that education is the driver of this work is absolutely consistent with who we are as an organization.”

The LIFT program will be scaled to each of Perimeter College’s campuses this academic year because of the success at the Perimeter College – Decatur Campus.

Saying yes to a family match through their local Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Al and Melanie turned caring into doing and changed many lives. In big ways.

And even half a decade later the relationship is going strong. Jacob comes over to their house on a Saturday or Sunday nearly every weekend. Now 12, Jacob “is a pretty awesome young man — polite, thankful, and never asking for anything. He blends in well with our family,” according to Al.

During Jacob’s visits, they do a variety of activities. Now that he’s in seventh grade, helping him with schoolwork is a focus area.

Al and Melanie have been helping Jacob develop more comprehensive thinking skills. “In the beginning,” Melanie says, “I sat down and read each question with him. It wasn’t that Jacob didn’t know the answer, but more that he didn’t know how to structure the answer.”

And homework time has become a family affair. Al and Melanie’s two older daughters, Izzy and Allie, help Jacob with homework too. “It’s good for the girls to teach someone,” says Al. “Which is when you learn how well you know something.” Aside from homework, they all spend time reading each weekend.

The Schellings aren’t only in this for the near term. They expect to see Jacob graduate from high school and are in it for the long haul. As contacts for Jacob’s teachers, Al and Melanie are able to track his academic and social progress.

But it’s not all about homework. Al and Melanie encouraged Jacob to get involved in a youth basketball program, which adds balance. Jacob is included in family vacations and even family pictures. Al and Melanie’s three daughters love him like a brother.

Recently, the Schellings were planning a movie outing. Their 11-year-old daughter’s first question was, “Is Jacob coming too?”. She didn’t want to go with her parents, but if her ‘brother’ was going, she would too.

Mentoring relationships take on many forms, and this relationship benefits everyone involved. In addition to Jacob’s adoptive mom, the family match program introduced Jacob to other adult role models who care about him and are committed to his success. And Al and Melanie indicate an unbelievable change in their lives.

Melanie says, “Our relationship with Jacob has helped us open up more to what kids want and need.” Al adds, “Jacob has never asked us for anything; he just wants to hang out.

“Helping kids has become quite normal for us. We are quite blessed to be able to effectively operate our agencies while taking time out to make a difference.”

“It’s amazing that we can have a successful business while following our passion,” Melanie comments. “We want others to get involved like we are. The commitment can be as little as 10 hours per month, but can have a monumental impact on a kid’s life.”

To find mentoring opportunities in your area, visit NeighborhoodofGood.com^® and search under local ‘Children & Youth Education’.

Other ways to get involved mentoring youth:

• Tutor a student
• Participate in class/group programs (e.g. Junior Achievement, coach an after school activity)
• Serve as a foster parent
• Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to advocate in court for underserved children