The primary goal of the MAMA program is to empower the teenage mother, or Mentee, to take charge of her life in a positive way. The tremendous need for specialized services to teenage mothers is readily evident by reviewing their profile. In 1970 Arlington Public Schools created the Family Education Center, an alternative educational program for pregnant students. The Family Education Center addresses the multiple challenges facing students who are becoming parents by providing academic, vocational and parenting instruction within a framework of comprehensive health and social services. The mentoring idea arose from the need of this at-risk student population to relate to adults who can exert a significant positive influence.
Most teenage mothers lack a vision regarding their future because the present is so demanding.
In order to help these students stay in school and fulfill their educational goals, they need adults who value education and achievement and who can serve as role models during this critical stage of their young lives. MAMA recruits Mentors from the corporate sponsor, Bell Atlantic, from other local businesses, and through the county's volunteer office. The MAMA program requires that Mentors make a one-year commitment to the partnership. Many matches have been so successful that the relationship has continued beyond the initial commitment. Also, numerous Mentors return in subsequent years to be matched with another young mother.