The AMIGOS Program at Maple Street Middle School 

IThis bilingual mentoring program fosters intercultural awareness, understanding, and knowledge. Twenty-two mentor-mentee pairs meet at least two hours each week (logging 1,375 hours in 2005 – 06) at Maple Street.  The “K” students help with homework, practice English with their mentees, and take them on field trips. The younger students offer the college students a glimpse of immigrant life and a chance to hone other language skills. Both partners have come to value collaboration across boundaries, as they have created deep, joyful, and long-lasting personal and multicultural friendships. AMIGOS was honored in June 2006 with the Governor’s Service Award for Innovative Mentoring Program for its “unique and effective approach.”

“K” students who work at Maple Street or Lincoln outside of classes may earn minimum wage, if they qualify for the federal work study program. They are also welcome to volunteer.

All “K” students who work at Lincoln and Maple must attend orientations, complete the appropriate paperwork (including the signed position descriptions and biweekly time sheets), fill out evaluations, and attend reflection sessions and workshops of which the Student Coordinators will notify them.  Each K student is expected to make a year-long commitment and to be both prompt and reliable.  Those who do not take all aspects of their commitment seriously will be asked to withdraw from the program. 

Student Coordinators:
Stephanie Simon, LaPlante Scholar, k06ss05@kzoo.edu
Jessica Bard, LaPlante Scholar, k04jb01@kzoo.edu