Over the years, Talbot County has become a haven for retirees and others seeking a spot in “the land of pleasant living.” However, the County faces challenges, especially when it comes to supporting its young people. Limited access to resources, economic disparities, and educational gaps leave many young people at a disadvantage. Talbot Mentors give young people the guidance, encouragement, and skills they need to succeed.
The writer sat down with lifelong Shore resident Kentavius Jones to discuss the ongoing progress of Talbot Mentors. Under his guidance, it has become a cornerstone for youth development in the County. As Executive Director Jones stated, “We’re creating mutually enriching relations between children and adults. It’s so gratifying to see meaningful connections between grown-ups and young people.”
At present, just over 10% of the county population lives below the poverty line, and over 30% of the student body in local public schools qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch. Children and teenagers face significant socioeconomic challenges.
Yet, having access to a mentor can make a difference. Mentoring provides the guidance and support that many youths need to navigate the challenges they face, whether academic, personal, or social. Research shows that mentoring programs can lead to better academic performance and improved self-esteem.
Talbot Mentors is a community-based organization that focuses on providing young people in the County with positive role models and mentors. One of its primary goals is addressing the gaps in education and personal development. As such, the program pairs local youth with trained adult mentors who provide support, encouragement, and guidance.
The program serves youth from elementary to college to postgraduate programs and works with schools, social services, and local non-profits to identify young people who would benefit from mentorship. These young people often come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may face difficulties in school, in their personal lives, or in building meaningful relationships. Mentors meet regularly with their mentees to offer guidance on academics, career aspirations, social skills, and overall life goals.
The mentoring program is structured to ensure that the relationships formed between mentors and mentees are positive, productive, and lasting. As one senior mentor put it, “The young people make us elders feel young again. All participants, mentors and mentees, get something meaningful out of it.”
One-on-one mentoring is the traditional form of mentoring, where a mentor is paired with an individual mentee. “As of now, Mentors has 54 matches in place, with more coming via peer-to-peer programs at County schools”, stated Jones. For example, there is a student-to-student mentoring program in St. Michaels that matches Bay Hundred area high school students with area elementary school students. This is meant to complement the ongoing weekly after-school “academic recovery” program for students struggling with their grades.
For older students, the program offers college and career-focused counseling, helping teens explore different career pathways, understand workplace dynamics, and build job-readiness skills.The program provides experiential learning resources to help Scholars understand the educational and career opportunities available to them. This includes guiding them through the college admissions process.
Talbot Scholars is a relatively new initiative that uses a cohort of qualified mentors, run by College Success Manager Jenny Kott. The focus of the Talbot Scholars program is, in the words of Ms. Kott, “to engage highly motivated, first-generation and/or underserved students…to enhance their academic achievements and prepare them for the challenges of college.” Under her leadership, with the assistance of student mentors from Washington College, these students are shown how to prioritize academics and life experiences. “We want them to develop a love of learning as well as establish a commitment to developing a deep sense of integrity, character, and sense of engagement in the community,” stated Kott.
Last academic year, Talbot Scholars graduated 12 students who have gone on to 2-year and 4-year colleges. “For many students, they are the first in their families to seek an education beyond high school”, commented Kott. “They really want to make their families proud.” Students in the program also participate with volunteer community services as well as attend monthly scholars’ workshops.
The impact of mentoring in Talbot County cannot be overstated. As Executive Director Jones stated, “Studies consistently show that youth who participate in mentoring programs experience significant personal and academic growth. For many of the young people we serve, the benefits of mentoring are felt both in and out of the classroom.”
“Talbot Mentors has four important elements we focus on,” said Jones. “We’re all about mission – using the power of mentoring, vision – building an equitable community, work – empowering young people, and values – equity, commitment, compassion and connection.”
Mentors’ ongoing growth and expansion is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship. By providing young people with positive role models, academic support, and life guidance, Talbot Mentors are helping to shape a brighter future for the youth of Talbot County. Through these mentorship relationships, young people are empowered to overcome the challenges they face, build their confidence and achieve their goals.
Want to know more? Interested in volunteering? Want to make a donation? Check out their website at www.talbotmentors.org. “Be a Mentor – Be a Friend.”
Matt LaMotte, a native of the Eastern Shore, has a diverse background. He grew up in Baltimore but spent much time in Easton and Chestertown. After college, he returned to the Mid Shore and worked in insurance and finance while raising his two sons. He then pursued a teaching and coaching career in independent schools across different states. In 2018, he chaired the History Department at Sts. Peter and Paul High School in Easton before retiring in 2021. Matt is now focused on conservation, outdoor education, and staying engaged with local and global affairs.
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