Mentor for good.

Mentoring helps strengthen our communities today in order to make them even stronger tomorrow.

In June 2020, State Farm began working with Leap Year. The Atlanta-based nonprofit is dedicated to improving literacy and college enrollment in metro-Atlanta. A mentorship program is part of that relationship.

It connects members of our Young Business Professionals (YBP) employee resource group with area youth. They help with everything from improving test scores, giving career advice and providing valuable insight. The sessions help the teens further their education and determine their future goals.

“It’s fulfilling to know that I get the opportunity to be a positive impact on someone else's life,” said YBP mentor Glenn Gaston.

The relationships are a two-way street.

“If you're interested in being a mentor, whether it's with Leap Year or in your community in whatever way, do it,” said Brandie Bryant, YBP mentor.

“Everyone has something they can offer and instill into someone else, and you learn that it makes you a better person too.”

Mentoring is a great way to extend the good neighbor spirit all year long. Our Good Neighbor Day Toolkit suggests other ways you can share your time, talents and treasure to make a difference and be a part of 100 for Good.

More than 8 million children under the age of 18 live with at least one substance dependent or substance-abusing parent*.

Jhanise Cardona knows first-hand about these statistics.

“My mother fought with drug addiction my whole life, and my father was incarcerated,” says Jhanise,” so I was basically the adult in my family. After witnessing things a child should never witness, at age 11 I left my home to go live with my grandfather.”

After hearing about the State Farm^® Neighborhood Assist grant program, Jhanise nominated the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua, N.H. (BGCGN) for consideration.

Neighborhood Assist grants are awarded annually to amazing causes doing amazing work to help others. One of last year’s 40 winners, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua, N.H., used its grant to help those hurt most by a loved one’s addiction – the children.

The $25,000 grant helps support Camp Mariposa. Mariposa is a bi-monthly weekend camp started in 2016 by the BGCGN for 8- to 12-year-olds who have been negatively affected by addiction in their families.

“I went to the Boys and Girls Club to escape my reality and find a sense of normalcy,” says Jhanise. “At the Club, there are many opportunities to better yourself, from coding classes to cheerleading clinics. Kids who go there see there is something better for them out there. I knew winning the grant could really make a difference.”

State Farm Agent Dan Bantham, Merrimack, N.H., attends a fundraiser for BGCGN every year. “I noticed the Club was a contender for a Neighborhood Assist grant and helped get the word out in support of the cause. The community really got behind it and helped make the Club a winner."

“Five other agents joined me to attend the check presentation ceremony at Camp Mariposa,” says Dan. “We took a tour of the facilities and met camp workers, as well as many of the kids. Some of the kids have been through incredible hardships and this camp is a great place for them to get away from their current life situation and just be kids.”

Today, Jhanise is a counselor at the Camp.

“I’m so thankful Camp Mariposa is going to benefit from the grant,” says Jhanise. “The camp provides these children with counseling and caring adults some, like me, who understand what they are going through on a personal level. I’m so happy to be able to give back and show these kids it’s possible to be more than just their original story.”

*Sobernation.com

Gabriel is one of many children setting sail on the Atlantic coast to fish, learn and explore. Not even the Florida sun can compete with the bright smiles on their faces.

"We want to help students reduce their fear and anxiety in respect to activities near the water,” said State Farm Agent Stan Harrison. “And we want them to have fun.”

The chance to sail out of the classroom and into the ocean is part of a program called Academic Anglers. The not-for-profit organization located in Melbourne, Fla., provides hands on boating and fishing experiences to children. An experienced fisherman, Harrison has volunteered with Academic Anglers since 2008. He’s led countless fishing clinics - sharing his passion for marine life and water safety with students.

“It’s a joy to watch them learn,” he said. “Through fishing and boating courses, children are exposed to new ways of thinking and gain more respect for the environment.”

Fish Facts and Ocean Fun

The Saturday class begins at the Marine Discovery Center. There, students learn about aquatic life – including how fish, plants and animals thrive in the water. “Did you know horseshoe crabs have eight legs AND they can flip themselves over with their tails?” Malik Harley beamed. “I also learned an octopus has three hearts and nine brains!”

Later that day, a member of the Coast Guard showed the class how to use professional flotation devices to stay safe in the water. Students also learned how to identify marine life, tie fishing knots using a large hook and rope, and cast a line.

“We want to expand their horizons and attract more children to the outdoor world,” said Academic Anglers Fishing Team President Charlie Roberts. “Seeing students gaining valuable experience outdoors - away from TV, computers and gaming systems is really rewarding.”

Making a Splash

That afternoon, students cast their lines in the water…steered the boat…and the best part? They caught lots of fish – including sea bass, sea grunt and red snapper which can weigh up to 50 pounds and live more than 50 years. The students also learned the importance of catch and release.

“I really enjoyed the fishing clinic with my twin girls, Jade and Jada,” said mother Patrice Smith. “We learned about different types of crabs, stingrays, turtles – and I am so grateful we now know how to fish!”

State Farm is a proud partner of Academic Anglers and its commitment to environmental education. Through the years, the fishing clinics have helped at-risk students stay out of trouble, excel in school and give back to their communities. Many of its first participants are now college graduates.

“There’s a sea of possibilities out there,” said Stan. “Success starts by branching out – or in this case, making that first cast.”

And that’s exactly what the South Salt Lake Police Athletic League (PAL) is striving to do: stop youth from moving the wrong way. In fact, area crime has been reduced by 65% between the hours of 3pm-7pm thanks to the PAL chapter.

Because of their progress, they were awarded the Directors Community Leadership Award by the FBI in 2015, a prestigious award which only four organizations receive annually in the nation.

South Salt Lake PALs

It all started in 1995 with a game of softball between neighborhood kids and the police. In 1998, Jerry Silva took over the South Salt Lake PAL program. Jerry, the current PAL director and a local police officer, started playing street hockey with kids in an underprivileged neighborhood.

Soon, local fire fighters got involved and it grew fast; officers were coaching flag football and paying for kids to play in athletic tournaments around the US.

Today, the PAL program has evolved into a nationally recognized after-school mentoring and boxing program. It is modeled after the original PAL chapter in New York City, were Muhammad Ali got his start.

“Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr, aka Muhammad Ali, was born in 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. Of all things, a red-and-white Schwinn bike steered Cassius to his future as a heavyweight champion boxer; the greatest," Jerry recalled. "When his beloved bicycle was stolen, the tearful 12-year-old Clay reported the theft to Louisville police officer Joe Martin (1916-1996)."

"Preteen Clay vowed to pummel the culprit. Martin, who was also a boxing trainer at the local PAL Boxing Gym, suggested the upset youngster first learn how to box, and he took Clay under his wing,” continued Jerry. “We here at the South Salt Lake PAL tell this story often because it shows these kids that working hard and using boxing as an avenue to better your self is the key.”

Boxing and mentoring program

The program, supported by State Farm, gravitated toward boxing instead of soccer and other sports because it’s less mainstream. Boxing is also a way for young kids to let out their aggressions in a safe environment.

“We are not teaching kids how to fight, we are teaching them when boxing is appropriate and the proper ways to box. But most importantly we are teaching our youth to have confidence,” shared Jerry.

Before any boxing or other recreational activities take place, all the students, approximately 70, must finish their homework. Members from the community volunteer to be a tutor like State Farm Agent Jonathan Hertel.

Jerry and Jonathan

“I came from a broken home, and easily could have gone down the wrong path. But because of mentors like Jerry in my life I am blessed to be where I am today,” reflected Jonathan. “That’s why I got involved, because it hit home for me. What they do for these kids is amazing. Instead of these kids being involved in juvenile crime and violence they create a way for them to be involved in athletic, recreational and especially educational opportunities.”

Pay it forward

“We teach our kids to pay it forward—that’s our philosophy,” Jerry explained.

Each year around Thanksgiving, the PAL youth identify several families in their neighborhood who could use a good Thanksgiving meal. PAL works with the local food bank and other organizations to deliver a home cooked meal to those families. More than 50 families receive a Thanksgiving meal prepared by the local culinary school in Salt Lake City.

You see a glow coming from your teen’s bedroom... Do you know what website they are visiting?

Your 5^th-grader won’t put down his smartphone... Do you know what videos they are watching?

Kids are increasingly living their lives online. They see it as a fun way to connect with friends and be entertained. They often don’t realize online risks, increasing concerns over safety.

To identify and address online child safety issues, Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) established the Coalition for Youth Safety (CYS), in August 2013.

CYS educates WJU criminal justice students to become child and community safety advocates. Developed by WJU Social Science professor Dr. Larry Driscoll, the program receives grant funding from State Farm.

Local law enforcement and safety experts guest lecture. Students attend classes and conduct research. They become "mini-experts" in one of three areas: internet safety, bullying and social media. They present findings to middle school students in Ohio, Brooke and Marshall Counties in West Virginia.

“Younger students need this important information, because they are more vulnerable,” Dr. Driscoll explains. “We discovered it’s not uncommon for first and second grade students to have access to mobile devices. It is crucial we start educating early so they know the dangers of cyber bullying and using the internet.”

Peer Instruction Most Effective 

Research shows elementary and middle school students relate better to younger adults – someone who speaks the same language.

“The closer in age mentors are to the students they’re mentoring, the better the results. That is why it was so important to make peer interaction a component of the CYS program,” Dr. Driscoll shared.

“Being a mentor in this program has been doubly rewarding,” said WJU student Kaitlyn Conner. “This program has allowed me to vastly improve my public speaking and communication skills. As a result of the different school visits, I am considering teaching as a possible career. I enjoy being able to help the community and interacting with the kids.”

Driscoll and his students are gathering and analyzing results from the program. They expect to see social media usage trending upward for younger and younger students. They also hope to see a downward trend in online abuse, bullying and talking to strangers.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” Dr. Driscoll says. “There is a definite need for this program. The elementary and middle school teachers continue to ask when we are coming back.”

Here are nine things CYS promotes. Parents are encouraged to reinforce this information to boost online safety:​

The High School for the Recording Arts (HSRA) aka “Hip Hop High School” in St. Paul, Minnesota lives and breathes this concept. With financial help from State Farm, they know how to motivate students through music. They use music to teach the basics - reading, writing and math - allowing kids to better understand.

It all starts like any other classroom, textbooks and studying. But instead of a test, students take the lessons and write music about it. Students get studio time in the school’s state of the art facility keeping them focused on learning.

HRSA students recently took courses about budgets, credit cards and how to save for the future from the nonprofit, Make a Difference.

The HRSA youth took what they learned and created music to share their knowledge with their peers. The songs not only shared important financial tips, but are a fun, unique way to learn.

Challenging students to channel their passions into something positive can lead to amazing results. Listening to the songs, you wouldn’t guess kids ages 17-21, were the writers, talent and producers. Click here to listen to their tracks.

Make a Difference Wisconsin and Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest plan to weave these songs into their classrooms. These songs will bring new energy to financial literacy classes and events.

“As an organization that teaches kids financial literacy, the songs created by these talented young people bring a freshness and relevancy to this important topic that will help us educate and inspire the next generation,” Ryan Stauff, Vice President of Corporate development from Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest shared.

These students are using their passions to learn important concepts. And their songs are inspiring and engaging other teens with their messages too.

“It takes a village to raise children.” How many times does one hear that phrase in a lifetime? Imagine raising a successful individual without the support of friends, family and acquaintances along the way to offer their advice and expertise. Think about it for a minute. Northfield, Minnesota figured out just how important caring adults can be in the lives of youth, so they set up Northfield Promise, a Healthy Community Initiative (HCI).

Through this effort, the group has pulled together resources to support Americorps Promise Fellows in the schools, coordinate a citywide after-school network, offer scholarships to low-income youth to participate in sports, and provide mini-grants for youth-designed community engagement initiatives. Since 1993, they have been strengths-based in their approach; seeking partners who see possibilities, and are similarly committed to data and outcomes, all of which has resulted in a history of success in securing funding.

And their success shows. Persistence and a positive approach have helped the district improve its graduation rates, and serve as a role model for other areas of the state.

Leslie V. was lucky enough to be a product of this success. Leslie heard about the program from her fifth grade teacher. She had been a part of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and felt her involvement in Northfield’s Promise would help her give back and help others in similar situations.

Leslie shared, “Volunteering with Northfield Promise allows me to broaden my leadership skills by learning from our community leaders. I look up to other members of the Reading Team and have learned so much from them already. Northfield Promise has also given me the opportunity to be a role model for younger kids.”

Northfield is just one area of the state that is working toward increasing high school graduation rates and collaborates closely with Minnesota Alliance with Youth to share best practices and learn how the state and nation as a whole can help more young people complete their high school education. As time goes on, graduation rates for students of all backgrounds and ethnicities has been increasing and a goal of 90% by 2020 has been set.

“In Minnesota, we share a common vision of success for our youth; one in which all youth are highly connected to their communities, have hope for a brighter future, and are able to fulfill their dreams,” shared President/CEO of Minnesota Alliance with Youth Sarah Dixon. “We know that by 2020 74% of all jobs will require a high school diploma or more, and we are committed to ensuring that graduation and employment success is achievable for every youth in our great state!”

Political involvement is one of the cornerstones of our democracy. New voters keep the legislative process alive and vibrant. But how do we prepare new voters to exercise the “every vote counts” philosophy and extend knowledge of public policy to the next generation?

Giving students a day outside the classroom is one way. For the past six years, the US Government and Politics class at Terra Linda High School (TLHS) in Northern California has attended “Student Legislative Day” at the Capitol in Sacramento, CA. The program educates them on the political process by exposing them to government in action.

Students tour the Capitol, witness the legislature in session, and visit district legislative offices. The rewards of public service, value of a good education, and the history of government in California were among the topics the students discussed during a recent visit with State Senator Mike McGuire and State Assembly-members Marc Levine and Ken Cooley.

Sophie Leporte made three trips to the Capitol with the class. Now a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Public Policy and Economics, the experience helped her better understand the connection between the two areas of study and led her to pursue those interests in college.

“Students should have at least some interest in the process that governs their future,” she says. “People should be curious about their government. What happens in government affects everyone!”

Over the years, approximately 250 students have taken part in the program. Many have been first generation Americans in the Achievement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program at TLHS and they have gone on to advocate in their communities.

Under the guidance of TLHS instructor Randy Baker and State Farm Agent Tim Long, and with the support of the Terra Linda Rotary Club, the students witness the political process in action and talk with lawmakers about how to shape the future of California.

Long was instrumental in establishing the program. He wanted to provide an opportunity for students to interact with local state legislators. Making the connection between the youth, the community and government, helps them see how the process works and makes it much more understandable.

“I have had an interest in public policy for many years. I want my community, especially the youth, to understand how they can be involved and provide an opportunity for their voices to be heard,” Long says.

As a child, Tajha’s family was constantly on the move. Although they never had a reliable shelter to call home, Tajha refused to fall through the cracks.

“If you’re in an environment you don’t want to be in, push yourself,” says Tajha, “I knew there was so much more out there for me.”

It Takes a Village

Luckily, she wasn’t alone. Tajha surrounded herself with a number of helpful role models along the way.

One such supporter was her teacher Miss Fleming, who encouraged Tajha to pursue the world of possibilities that lay ahead.

Equipped with great mentors, Tajha graduated second in her class, and the president of several clubs. These achievements earned her leadership service awards from Toastmasters and GRAD Cincinnati, funded by State Farm.

The GRAD Cincinnati scholarship brought Tajha new mentors such as the organization’s Program Manager Jamell Taylor and its Executive Director Patricia Stewart Adams.

Jamell says he knew right away Tajha was different from the others. “[She] is wise beyond her years,” he said fondly, “She has dreams and is willing to put in the hard work and dedication to make [them] come true.”

At a Crossroads

Dreams of a better life led Tajha to Ohio University, but the move from a small high school to a college of 27,000 students was overwhelming. Midway through her freshman year, the transition intensified as Tajha’s family lost their home due to financial hardship.

Tajha struggled to balance her education with her ever-growing pile of worries. This left little time for making friends or being happy. Soon, Tajha thought about dropping out and returning to Cincinnati.

During those trying times, however, her mentor Patricia helped her back on her feet. Patricia reminded her that opportunities don’t always knock more than once.

Tajha reflected on how far she had come and repeated her mantra to herself.

When you want to give up, just think where you will end up.

With renewed motivation, she was able to finish her first year with a 3.5 GPA, an internship with the Community Food Initiative, and plenty of friends to boot.

Chasing the Dream

While college life still has its challenges, Tajha is making the best of it. Her infectious smile, captivating personality, and determination will enable her to overcome whatever life throws her way.

After college, Tajha plans to work for the United Nations or the Peace Corps, with the goal of creating a culture that connects people. Her dream is to establish a non-profit organization that both mentors and provides full-ride scholarships to 7th – 12th grade students.

Guadalupe Rogel knows the meaning of determination and hard work. As a first generation Mexican American, she prepares to enter her first year of college at Columbia University in New York. With an unwavering determination and a little bit of help, Guadalupe is ready to make her mark.

If you ask Guadalupe, she will tell you ther future could have been very different if it were not for her experience with Esperanza’s Hispanic Youth Leadership Program (HYLP). At 15, she and a friend joined HYLP after attending a meeting as ‘an innocent way to pass the time’.

“Beyond the great academic opportunities they offer, including Saturday Academy and tutoring, HYLP has helped me believe in myself and aspire to dream big despite my humble upbringing,” says Guadalupe. “Today, I find myself faced with many blessings, many of which could not have been possible without Esperanza and its programs. They have nurtured me since I began high school, introduced me to other great community organizations I am now a part of, and impacted my educational and personal aspirations.”

Jesus Sanchez, Director of Programs at Esperanza, was an Esperanza scholarship recipient in 2000. Esperanza was able to help him earn a college degree and a Masters in Biology. Now, he is working and raising his family in the Cleveland area.

Esperanza was a life changing experience for Jesus. “It helped me afford the opportunity to go to college and get a higher education. Just going through the process at Esperanza, because it is targeted at Latinos, helped me be more aware and fit in as an individual as well as into the larger Ethnic group,” he said.

Victor Ruiz, Executive Director of Esperanza is dedicated to the success of Hispanic youth in their educational pursuits. “I’m passionate about education and how education is a way out of poverty for people. This organization focuses on education and ensuring that inner city students have access to a quality education,” says Ruiz.

Guadalupe received several acceptance letters from Ivy League institutions, but ultimately decided to pursue a degree at Columbia. As the first to attend college and the oldest of four siblings, her family has inspired her to reach her education goals.

“My parents immigrated to the United States when they were very young, and consequently, didn’t finish high school,” she begins, “They came here with the desire to work and provide us with the opportunity to achieve the American Dream unattainable to them. I am committed to take full advantage of the opportunity they, like many other Hispanic families, sacrificed for.”

After college, Guadalupe plans to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector; an inspiration from Esperanza. Guadalupe understands the lack of encouragement and incentives given to low income first generation students to follow their dreams. She hopes to use her experience and education to positively impact students’ futures in underserved communities the way Esperanza has done for so many students.