In a heartwarming initiative that goes back about 15 years, students from Channel Islands High School have partnered with Williams Elementary through the Leading the Youth program, offering valuable tutoring support to young learners.
Operating from 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, the program provides a safe, engaging environment for elementary students who receive support from high school mentors as well as credentialed teachers. CI students typically volunteer during homework hour, which runs from 4-5 p.m.
Through the program, students can work on their homework, participate in small-group tutoring, and engage in enrichment classes such as dance, cooking, STEAM projects, Legos, and mariachi music. There are also sports, structured physical activities, yoga, and mindfulness sessions, providing a well-rounded after-school experience that encourages both academic and personal growth.
This collaboration not only helps elementary students excel academically but also provides high school students with the unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience working with children in an educational setting. By becoming role models and mentors, the high school students are able to make a positive impact on the younger generation while also developing essential skills for their own futures.
Sofia Padilla, a junior and a passionate member of the club, shared her motivation for joining the program: “I’ve recently been interested in becoming a teacher, and this program gives me the chance to see what it’s really like to work with kids and be a teacher.” Her enthusiasm reflects the opportunity the program provides for high school students to explore potential career paths in education while giving back to their community.
Each day, program participants dedicate an hour or more after school to help young students with tasks such as reading, math, and group projects. The program’s flexible schedule ensures that high school mentors have ample time for their own homework and activities, making it easy to volunteer without feeling overwhelmed. This balance allows high schoolers to build meaningful connections with the elementary students while still managing their own responsibilities.
Jaslyn Martinez, another dedicated participant, explained, “I wish I had someone to guide me when I was younger. It feels great to be that person for these kids now.”
Her sentiment highlights the deep bond between the older and younger students as high schoolers step into the role of mentors. Not only do the elementary students benefit from this support, but the high schoolers, too, are growing in ways that extend beyond academics. Many describe feeling a greater sense of empathy and patience, along with valuable insights into what it means to be a role model.
Through programs like Leading the Youth, CI is showing the powerful impact of community involvement. This initiative strengthens the bond between students of all ages and encourages a spirit of collaboration and mutual growth. It reinforces the idea that education is a shared journey, where each person, student, teacher, or mentor plays an important role in shaping the future.
