$10M available for mentorship program

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio education officials say $10 million is available for a new school mentorship program.

Community organizations, faith-based groups and businesses are asked to develop partnerships encouraging mentorship in Ohio’s schools and giving more students access to role models. Organizations and schools creating the partnerships can receive a maximum of $500,000 in state grants that provide a matching three dollars for every dollar spent.

The Ohio Department of Education is accepting applications for the Community Connectors program through Feb. 20.

Nonprofit faith-based and civic organizations can lead the projects. They must team up with a business and an eligible public school district or a school in an eligible district. Eligible districts must have a high percentage of students in poverty and a high number not graduating on time.