Shaw University volunteers mentor students at Wake school

Volunteers from Shaw participate in the after-school program Ladies of Distinction held each week at Ligon GT Magnet Middle School. They offer tutoring, homework assistance and learning sessions to help young girls build self esteem, confidence in their self image and improve their social skills.

Qahhaara Jackson, a sixth grade student at Ligon Road, said she values the once-a-week get-together.

“All the girls there treat me as family and we all act nice toward each other,” she said.

The mentor program was the vision of Ligon Road teacher Teretha McMillion.

“We decided to create an organization which is a safe place for them to go, but it would also provide them with academic assistance and help them grow into a lady,” McMillion said.

The program appears to be making a difference.

“I think it’s a great opportunity at this age group to really catch girls and get them before they go on to high schools,” Ligon Road assistant principal intern Amatullah Stanback said.

The Shaw University volunteers are part of a program called Ladies with Value, which was founded by Shaw student Athena Curry. 

The partnership between the schools also includes a mentor program for boys.