Senior pitches freshman mentoring program to Edcouch-Elsa ISD board

Andrea Gonzales, a senior and member of the superintendent's advisory committee, asked the Edcouch-Elsa ISD Board of Trustees on Dec. 15 to support a freshman mentoring program she developed after attending Texas Bluebonnet Girls State.

"My mission with this project is to help incoming freshmen socially and academically navigate their first year of high school," Gonzales said, describing a program that would pair freshmen with mentors selected from the top 10% of the senior and junior classes and offer monthly group meetings, one-on-one check-ins and community-service opportunities.

Gonzales said the program targets first-generation students, students near the top 25% academically who need added support, and students recommended by teachers or social workers. She emphasized a low-cost design that relies on existing school resources and volunteer mentor time rather than a large new budget.

Trustees and staff commended Gonzales' presentation. A trustee suggested making tutorials and program schedules widely available via social media and district communications; Dr. Garza and Dr. Ochoa agreed to promote schedules and to monitor tutorial participation. The board discussed expanding access to Boys and Girls State opportunities and noted existing community partnership funds to support additional students.

Gonzales said mentors would be expected to maintain academic standing and make a time commitment to support mentees; participation by freshmen would be voluntary and pairing would consider shared academic and social interests to increase compatibility.

The board did not vote on an implementation plan during the meeting but directed administration to continue working with campus leaders and community partners to refine logistics and determine next steps.