Governor Jim Pillen wants to expand youth mentorship programs across the state. On Monday Pillen proclaimed February as “Nebraska Mentoring Month” and unveiled a new major mentoring initiative.
Pillen has included an annual $5 million competitive grant program within his budget to encourage and facilitate mentorships within Nebraska schools. Program and application guidelines will be developed following funding approval. The intent is to provide grants to programs in Nebraska with established histories.
“We know the hope that mentoring gives to kids. There is nothing as rewarding as being a mentor to a young person,” Pillen says “We are excited about the opportunity for the Legislature to pass a $5 million mentorship grant program to quickly expand mentoring across the state.
Pillen says the main goal will be expanding the number of volunteers who help elementary school students with reading skills. In addition to the grant program, the state of Nebraska will be relaunching its program to allow state employees to modify their work schedules, enabling them to volunteer as mentors each week.