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What is the history of E-Mentoring, Esq.? In 2004, leaders of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL) were invited to work with the Dallas Bar Association (DBA) to develop a program that would positively impact the alarming drop out rate of Dallas ISD students. The Dallas ISD was interested in exposing their students to legal professionals in the community. DAYL and DBA leaders met with Dallas ISD administration and together the organizations worked to develop a program that they hoped would provide a way for busy lawyers - already active in their profession and community organizations - to fight these disturbingly low high school graduation rates. Realizing that many legal professionals would not be able to make the commitment necessary for a face to face relationship, E-Mentoring, Esq. was born. The need In 2003, the Dallas ISD Superintendent cited that approximately 50% of 9th-graders do not graduate from high school. Studies issued by America's Promise Alliance indicates that Dallas ISD's graduation rate in 2004 was the 7th worst in the nation - 44.4%. In 2005, the graduation rate was 50.8%. How are schools and students selected? Each summer, the E-Mentoring, Esq. Committee selects a number of Dallas ISD schools to participate in the upcoming school year. Schools that are eligible must participate in the "Advancement Via Individual Determination" Program (AVID). Students enrolled in AVID plan on being the first in their families to graduate from college, and they are improving their TAKS test scores! Students who participate in AVID at E-Mentoring, Esq. schools are assigned an e-mentor. Growth In 2004, E-Mentoring, Esq. began with 45 e-mentors and 45 freshman at W.W. Samuell High School. The program doubled in 2005, to 93 e-mentors e-mailing 107 students. During the 2008-2009 school year, E-Mentoring had over 450 e-mentors e-mailing with over 800 students at 11 Dallas ISD middle and high schools!! What do students say about E-Mentoring, Esq.? These quotes demonstrate the major impact e-mentors are having with their students:
What do mentors say about E-Mentoring, Esq.?
Do I have to be a legal professional to be an e-mentor?
How do I sign-up to be an e-mentor?
How do I make a charitable contribution to the DBA for costs of E-Mentoring, Esq.? |
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