1. ASU mentoring program encourages Phoenix students to
attend college
Paulina Pineda , The Republic | azcentral.com 1:25 p.m. MST May 12, 2014
Program gives students at Phoenix Collegiate, a charter school in south Phoenix, the opportunity to explore a
college campus and learn new skills.
Fourth-grade student Alexandria Martinez, 9, wanted to learn to play guitar after her grandfather died. She said
almost everyone in her family, except her parents, plays.
Alexandria is part of the Talent Match program, a partnership between Phoenix Collegiate Academy and
Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University.
The partnership gives students at Phoenix Collegiate, a charter school in south Phoenix, the opportunity to
explore a college campus and learn new skills.
On Tuesdays, for eight weeks each semester, 27 fourth- and fifth-grade students are bused to the honors college's Tempe academic complex. The
students are given snacks and practice public speaking and other talents. Their efforts culminate with a performance or presentation at the Talent Match
Talent Show on the ninth week.
Alexandria performed two songs on her pink guitar, a Christmas present from her parents. Although the program is over, she still practices at home and
wants to learn to play country music.
"I wanted to learn so that I can teach my kids how to play," she said.
Talent Match started in 1999 as a student's class project. Since its inception, participants have learned things ranging from how to play the ukulele,
cooking and playing sports, according to program adviser Andrea Wells.
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Barrett students are required to apply each semester, expressing their interest in the program. Phoenix Collegiate students are held to similar standards.
The elementary students must fill out an application and write a persuasive paragraph explaining why Candice Payne, the charter school's humanities
instructional manager, should pick them to participate. They are then evaluated based on behavior, academics and attendance.
Payne said the program is very popular because it exposes youngsters to a new environment.
"(It builds) authentic relationships with college students for our kids, who may not have that model in their home life," she said. "Students are exposed to
college life on a regular basis and an ability to see themselves as collegegoers."
Talent Match program director Abhishek Dharan said exposing children to a college campus encourages them to pursue a higher education.
"I strongly believe that exposing children to higher education environments is a great way to promote the opportunities available if they work hard towards
that goal," he said.
Mentors like Dharan, who is graduating this spring, and sophomore human nutrition major Krystiana Cornella help facilitate children's dreams.
Dharan has participated in the program for six semesters. He taught tae kwon do as a mentor, and his passion for serving others has influenced his
interest in becoming a pediatrician.
As a first-time mentor, Cornella taught her mentee how to draw and paint.
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