SUNY Oswego's mentorship program Focus Forward earned an honor via the Oswego City School District (OCSD) Board of Education earning the Champions of Change Award by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
During an October OCSD Board of Education meeting, NYSSBA Area 5 Director William L. Miller presented the award, noting, “I think this type of program ... has certainly had an impact on students both academically and socially.”
This award not only helps to signify the influence that Focus Forward has had on the Oswego community thus far but highlights its potential for further impact in the future as well. Run by coordinators Jennifer Joyce and Sean Milligan, Focus Forward aims to elevate youth through guided mentorship that will last a lifetime.
“It’s a program I haven’t seen anywhere else, and I do a lot of traveling," Miller said. "I see a lot of districts… but this kind of program can be put anywhere and probably should be a role model to other districts of how it’s done.”
Through academic support, social activities such as pumpkin painting, college tours, wildlife exhibitions and more, Focus Forward has distinguished itself as a unique program that builds community and garners future champions as well. All of which would not be possible without the dedicated SUNY Oswego students that take the time out of their busy work schedules to serve the community. Miller says of the mentors, “those are special college students that are willing to do this.”
SUNY Oswego students that participate in Focus Forward are enrolled in GST 311: "Mentoring Skills and Practice," a one-credit course provides students with the opportunity to provide direct service to students in the community as a mentor. After being a mentor for a semester, students are able to apply to be a team leader. Upon selection, team leaders are enrolled in GST 312: "Leadership in Mentoring." GST 312 is a two-credit course that focuses upon leadership within mentoring programs and its impact on youth development through the lens of the duties/responsibilities of the program.
These classes offer SUNY Oswego students the opportunity to provide direct service to students in the community who can benefit from this kind of program.
Focus Forward is excited to continue making strides within the Oswego community and eager to continue to uplift the lives of our youth. Recruitment for the Focus Forward program is under way for the Spring 2023 semester.
Interested SUNY Oswego students can learn more and apply to become a mentor via the Focus Forward website.
-- Submitted by Focus Forward