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Leadership Encouragement and Development Programs (LEAD)

Student Quotes

"Working with kids was what originally brought me to LEAD, and the interactions I've had with the kids, not only my mentee, but all the kids has definitely paid off. Yet, one of the coolest parts of LEAD is that even when it's just the mentors, when we're all hanging out waiting for the kids to arrive, I'm still having a blast!" -Isabel Casariego

"Because LEAD incorporates both one-on-one and group mentoring models, it's a great opportunity for interacting with both Dartmouth students and the children from Romano circle. Through working together to sort out conflicts, playing games with each other, and learning as a group about our differing themes, all of us (not just the children) grow to be more understanding, patient, and caring people. In the short time that I have known these kids, their incredible developments in temperment, attitudes, and acceptance have been mirrored in myself. What I love about LEAD is that, through our shared experiences, everyone learns and grows together: the mentors teach the kids, the kids teach the mentors, the mentors teach the mentors, and the kids teach the kids." -Kevin Perry

Program Description

  • LEAD is an after school program where volunteer collegiate mentors create a positive youth environment for children and adolescents who are residing at the Romano Circle Housing Development in Lebanon, NH.

  • Big Kids Boys LEAD is a Tuesday evening program in which we bring high school aged kids from Romano circle to the College and participate in a variety of activities.
  • Little kids LEAD is a wednesday afternoon activity. Dartmouth students meet at 2:45 at Tucker and are transported to a local elementary school (Mt. Lebanon).
  • Each mentor is paired up with one child and through structured activities and academic support, promotes self-esteem, leadership, and community values.
  • Dartmouth mentors acquire a greater awareness of social differences in the Upper Valley, form a solid bridge to the community, and enhance their own leadership skills.

Focus Areas

The overarching goal of LEAD is to increase the self-esteem of Romano Circle children, to enhance their leadership skills, provide positive and healthy role models, and discourage activities or relationships that are anti-social or destructive. Dartmouth mentors are able to provide the means with which the children can learn these skills by becoming involved in the children's lives and committing to the program. The program incorporates a variety of group and one-on-one based programs and curricula.

Community Partners

LEAD is a collaborative effort between the Tucker Foundation, the Lebanon Housing Authority, and Second Growth.

Time Commitment

Little Kids LEAD is from 3-6 every Wednesday afternoon and Big Kids Boys LEAD runs from 7 to 9:30 on Tuesday evenings. Occasionally there are weekend activities, but those normally replace the Wednesday meetings.

Contact Information

Blitz "Little Kids LEAD"

Transportation

Transportation is provided. It is encourage but not mandatory that the mentors get college approved.

Last Updated: 2/1/07