The highly successful Allies in Monroe (AIM) mentoring program at Monroe High School will be back for the 2015-2016 school year and plans are to expand it to include even more “matches” of students and adult mentors, which are called “allies.”

     In its first year, the AIM program – the only one of its kind in Monroe County – grew from 58 students and their “allies” in the first trimester to 131 “matches” by the time the third trimester rolled around in the spring. 

     In addition, the program will be led this year by Monroe High School teacher David Henry, who last year – in the first year of the program – was a mentor to an MHS senior who achieved his AIM goals all three trimesters, one of only four students in the school to do so. 

     AIM is an academic incentive and mentoring program open to all MHS students.  It is designed to enhance student achievement, increase the number of students furthering their education after high school and improve student-staff-community relationships.  It also is designed to enhance the overall MHS college-going culture.  During the 2014-2015 school year, more than 100 MHS students achieved their AIM goals at least once, qualifying them to earn a $200 scholarship.

     “Our first year was successful beyond all goals that we had when we started the program,” Mr. Henry said.  “We were able to use a large number of staff people as ‘allies’ in the first year and our goal is to repeat that.  However, we also want to build on that staff participation and add to it by expanding our appeal to more community members and groups to come in and be an ally for one of our students.

     “We want our students to know that someone believes in them,” Mr. Henry said.  “The students who were involved last year found that they had to be persistent to be successful but that when they were, that hard work paid off.”

     Because the program is not funded by Monroe Public Schools but by an independent board, community financial support is critical to the program’s success.  “Angels” are people, Foundations, businesses and organizations that can provide the financial support that is the monetary incentive for the students.  Those interested in supporting this program, should contact Mr. Henry at 734-265-3400

     AIM is one of the many programs at Monroe High School which focus on helping your child succeed.