Topic: True2U: A Community Approach to Mentoring
This fall the True2U Mentoring Program will serve its 10,000th student. Created in 2015 through the collaborative efforts of the Cleveland Foundation, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Neighborhood Leadership Institute, and the Greater Cleveland Faith-Based Initiative, True2U is a small group mentoring program focused on helping every 8th grader in the CMSD explore their strengths and interests, learn about careers, and develop a vision for their future. Through the dedication of 300-400 volunteers, True2U assists 2,500 8th grade students prepare for the transition to high school each year. Join us to learn more from representatives of two key partners - they'll share an overview of the program, some challenges and lessons learned, and the impact they're seeing.
Molly Feghali is the director of the True2U Mentoring Program at Neighborhood Leadership Institute where she manages operations, program and curriculum development, along with mentor communications, recruitment, and training. True2U recruits hundreds of adult mentors to work with all 8th graders in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to help students develop a clear sense of who they are and the futures they envision for themselves. Molly has been with the program since it started in the fall of 2015 and led the phase-in over three years, with full implementation beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.In addition to leading the 8th grade program, Molly designed and directs the True2U Summer Leadership Academy and 9th Grade Extension Programs. She is excited to partner with Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College this fall to introduce True2UCollegeBound, a new program where 10th grade students – and then 11th grade students the following year – will be mentored by Cleveland State students.
Prior to her work with True2U, Molly was the coordinator of the Student Group on Race Relations at Shaker Heights High School and lectured at Cleveland State University, teaching courses on educational psychology, diversity in education, and the social foundations of education.
Molly holds a degree in sociology from The Ohio State University, a master's degree in sociology from DePaul University, and a Ph.D. in urban education from Cleveland State University. She is passionate about education and equity, and believes that investing in young people is one of the best, and most important, ways to improve communities.
Angela Finding is the Senior Director of Education and Workforce at the Greater Cleveland Partnership, focusing on college and career readiness and skills-based learning initiatives that work to build a strong future workforce. This approach to college and career readiness includes working closely with the education and business communities on efforts to close skills gaps and provide students with access to high-quality educational and experiential learning opportunities. Angela has spent her career working in the nonprofit and chamber industries, previously with the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, the American Heart Association and Barberton Citizens Hospital (Summa Health System Barberton Campus). Angela earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Organizational Communication/Public Relations from The University of Akron and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Walsh University. She resides in Broadview Heights, OH with her husband and children. LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelafinding