Stamford, CT - The Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF), a non-profit organization serving thousands of students in Stamford since 1996, announced it is the recipient of a $12,000 grant from Southport-based Near & Far Aid. The grant will support SPEF’s Stamford Mentoring Program, which serves students in grades 3 - 12. The program supports SPEF's vision for each and every student in the Stamford Public Schools being able to graduate high school prepared and inspired to be a productive member of society.
Near & Far Aid is an all-volunteer fundraising and fund granting organization dedicated to eliminating poverty in Fairfield County. Like SPEF they strive to achieve lasting change. “As an all-volunteer organization we take great pride in the work we do. Our partnership with SPEF enables us to help underserved students in Stamford’s public schools be better prepared for post high-secondary success,” said Kim Meier, President of Near & Far Aid.
The Stamford Mentoring Program provides students with the resources and guidance necessary to be successful during elementary, middle school, high school, and in all future endeavors. Individuals from college, corporations, and the community volunteer their time and talent in the Stamford Public Schools for engaging mentoring sessions with students in grades three through twelve.
- Providing mentoring to over 860 students at a needs based in grades 3-12 (of which 70% were economically disadvantaged)
- Engaging over 400 volunteers from college, corporate, and community partners
- Pairing students from Stamford High’s Early College Studies program with volunteer mentors from NatWest Markets and Deloitte.
- Introducing the Leadership Mentoring program that pairs high school students with caring adults for at least 2 mentoring sessions per month, engaging in activities outside traditional school hours.