But the program clearly serves more than kids in trouble. Although the dropout rate in the school district is close to 40 percent, more than 90 percent of those involved in Catcher's MITT stay in school and graduate. Most of the mentored students choose to continue their education and go to college. Approximately 55 adult mentors work with pregnant teens, adolescent mothers, and other students in grades 7 through 12 who are in danger of dropping out.
Mentors do more than merely visit with their students on a regular basis.
Some have arranged for field trips to their places of business so students can see first-hand how companies operate and what responsibilities employees have in their jobs. Others have persuaded their companies to donate tickets to museums, baseball games, and cultural events for students who show academic improvement. Still others provide motivational speakers, awards, and recognition banquets for students, mentors, and families. The success of the program shows up in many ways. Many former mentees return to become mentors themselves.