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How to make a lifelong positive impact on a fourth grader

Academy 4’s mentorship program teaches leadership skills to local fourth graders in low-income schools.

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A student and their mentor playing Uno during Academy 4 Friday mentoring.

Academy 4 provides a mentor for every fourth grader in the schools they serve.

Photo by Academy 4

Did you know? Academy 4 volunteers come together one Friday per month to mentor fourth graders in economically disadvantaged schools in and around Austin and Forth Worth. For 90 minutes, students and mentors work through research-based leadership curriculum and enjoy games, crafts, and other activities. (See what it’s like.)

So, why mentor fourth graders? According to Academy 4, these students are at a stage between childhood and adolescence where they are becoming individualistic, forming their morals and values, and listening to adults. Read: It’s the perfect time for these kids to develop leadership skills, all while building positive relationships with dependable adults.

...Also, fourth graders are a lot of fun to hang out with.

In the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, Academy 4 plans to grow its reach and serve 48 schools — and they’re looking for new volunteer mentors.

Ready to make a difference in the life of a fourth grader?

Learn more + sign up to mentor

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