Mayor Donnie Tuck, City Of Hampton | City Of Hampton website
Mayor Donnie Tuck, City Of Hampton | City Of Hampton website
Aug. 15, 2024 — Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck partnered with Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones at a press conference on Thursday morning calling for Peninsula residents to serve as mentors in the two cities’ public school systems.
Both school systems already have strong mentorship programs in place, but the mayors put out a call for male mentors — particularly Black males in the business community — who could provide essential role models for students in single-parent homes.
“The fact is,” Mayor Tuck said, “many young Black boys have no male role models unless they are involved in athletics. We've seen progress in reducing youth violence in Hampton and Newport News, especially among black males aged 14 to 24. To sustain this, we need mentors ready to commit an hour a week or every two weeks, helping these boys forge productive futures. I urge the men in our community to come forward and make a profound impact that will shape lives for years to come.”
Mayor Jones added: “By joining forces, our cities are taking a significant step toward a critical need. Let’s be clear: This is just the beginning. For this to work, we need the community to step up.”
The Hampton mentorship program works with specific protocols to ensure the safety and security of students. Studies have shown that interaction with mentors has a strong impact on students both in and out of the classroom.
Click here for information on how to be a mentor or volunteer in Hampton City Schools.
Click here for information on how to be a mentor or volunteer in Newport News Schools.
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