A third grade class at Perry Elementary School is participating in a new program this year that pairs students with mentors.

Everybody Wins! Iowa is an independent affiliate of a national program that came to the state in 2002.  Starting this fall, each Friday local volunteers will come to the school for a Power Lunch and will be paired up with students for a one-on-one mentorship program.  Weekly the pair will meet up and read to each other.  The goal is to increase children’s success in school and in life through reading and mentoring experiences with caring volunteers.

Everybody Wins! staff presented information on the program to the Perry Chamber Board last week and Executive Director Bob Wilson says several members are planning to participate.

“I’ve been really excited, I think this is a great opportunity to help promote businesses and the school district and benefit the kids too.  I know in the past when we’ve had people go up to read to the students, they are almost rewarded more than just the child is.”

The District plans to start small with around 10 mentors beginning next month and the potential to expand in the future.  The program is privately funded and comes at no cost to the school

For more information on how you can get involved or support the program, CLICK HERE.