Grant Connects Ward 8 Students With Mentoring Program

A grant from Crown Castle has enabled several D.C. students from Ward 8 to connect with a local mentorship organization aiming to cultivate "character, scholarship and social competence."

College Tribe, founded 14 years ago by four Black men, allows third- to eighth-grade students to receive mentoring from adults with similar backgrounds in a range of subjects, including academic success, socioemotional skills, leadership and interpersonal relationships, the organization said.

Crown Castle, a national cellphone tower operator, has previously partnered with nonprofits Urban Ed, LGBT Tech and the DC Education Equity Fund, according to a College Tribe statement.

"We greatly appreciate Crown Castle's understanding and support of our community, especially at this challenging time," Jeronique Bartley, College Tribe executive director, said in the statement announcing the grant. "Last school year we had to rely on virtual mentoring sessions and that speaks to the need to have connectivity anywhere, anytime. We're excited to have our new mentees engage with young people as we expand the pipeline of students from southeast D.C. to college."

Participating schools include Hart Middle, Leckie Elementary, Patterson Elementary, Simon Elementary and Statesmen Academy for Boys.

College Tribe, which touts a 100% high school graduation rate among its participants, said it offers after-school STEM education lessons and a summer STEM program.