Students, mentors tell board mentorship program "League of Stars" boosts belonging and college access

Chico Unified trustees on April 17 received an informational presentation on the League of Stars, a mentorship partnership originally started with Chico State that now includes Butte College and serves roughly 100 students across Chico High, Fairview High and Pleasant Valley High.

Malcolm J. Mmore, director of student belonging and empowerment (Butte College), described the program's origins after the pandemic and said the League pairs college mentors with high-school students of color to build belonging, leadership skills and exposure to college life. "Possibility promotes probability," Mmore said, explaining the program's goal of helping students see future pathways and stay connected to the community.

Martha Mmore, a wellness counselor and League coordinator, and two students, Kaani Wera and Marquel Hardman, shared personal accounts of how mentorship increased confidence and college-going aspirations. Kaani said the League "has really given me that outlet that I needed to be able to find my confidence," and Marquel — now working as a mentor at Butte College — described how the program changed his trajectory and led to on-campus employment.

The board presented Superintendent Awards to Martha Mmore and Malcolm Mmore in recognition of their leadership and the program's growth. Board members praised the program's sustainability goals and urged plans for funding and expansion to junior-high and elementary levels.

What happens next: the board and staff said they will continue conversations about sustainability and scaling the program beyond high school, including potential transportation and funding needs.