As part of our community school model and in order to encourage parent leadership and engagement, BPNC partners with Davis Elementary School, Brighton Park Elementary School, Burroughs Elementary School, Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy, Shields Elementary School, Shields Middle School, Columbia Explorers, and Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center to run the Parent Mentor Program, a nationally recognized program that empowers parents to be active participants in the school community and builds deep and lasting relationships between students, teachers, and parents.
 

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At each school, 8 parents assist teachers in the classroom for two hours every day. Parents work with students one-on-one and in small groups to provide an added level of attention and support. Before entering the classroom, parent mentors participate in a weeklong leadership training, which continue for the duration of the year and receive a stipend  after reaching 100 volunteer hours.