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Generation Next Mentees Get Taste of Campus Life
| Date: |
12/8/2008 |
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| Contact: |
AGBU Press Office |
| Phone: |
212-319-6383 |
| Fax: |
212-319-6507 |
| Email: |
press@agbu.org |
On November 8, AGBU Generation Next Mentorship Program (GenNext) students and mentors enjoyed a traditional college tailgate party, after which they attended the UCLA vs. Oregon State football game.
UCLA alumnus and GenNext mentor, Aram Kaloustian, hosted the pre-game bash with hot dogs, hamburgers and other snacks. He also helped get the game tickets donated to GenNext through UCLA's "I'm Going to College" program, which is focused on getting pre-college-age students attached to university life. GenNext also promotes this same vision and strives to make academics both fun and a goal for its students.
GenNext, which has thrived for over 10 years, pairs Armenian students ranging from age 12 to 19 with young adult volunteers to assist them with issues involving academics, behavior, and other extra-curricular interests. The group has at least one set activity per month that focuses on GenNext's three goals -- career, culture and self-confidence. In addition, mentors and mentees spend time together, one on one, at least twice a month, building their relationship.
"We want to prep our children now so they are ready for the real world," said Ara Arzumanian, director of Generation Next. "Mentors come from all different professional backgrounds and national origins. It gives the kids a great reflection of not only our community, but the world."
In October, the Generation Next participants visited the Ararat Home for the Elderly, spending time with the residents and touring the institution's Armenian culture and history museum. The trip proved to be extremely enlightening on both a personal and educational level, according to Arzumanian. Generation Next refers to their programming as "culturally based mentoring," revolving around the Armenian heritage, and this trip certainly proved to be a success in this regard.
In February 2009, Generation Next is hosting a 10th-Anniversary Gala for the program at Castaway Restaurant in Burbank, California. Comedian Aron Kader will host the event and Carla Garapedian, director of the film Screamers, will be honored. For more information, visit http://www.itsmyseat.com/DisplayEvent.html?sse=10267. Generation Next is also in the process of launching a new professional advertising campaign to recruit new mentors. Earlier this year, the longstanding work of AGBU Generation Next Mentorship Program was recognized by an award of $500,000.00 from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE grant has enabled Generation Next to hire two new case managers, who will facilitate the relationship between mentors and mentees and help connect mentees to other services available in the community.
Since its establishment in 1997, AGBU Generation Next mentors and staff have served over 100 Armenian students ranging from the seventh to eleventh grades. Adult volunteers from AGBU Generation Next assist students with issues involving academics, behavior, and acculturation. By providing positive role models, volunteer mentors help these young Armenians become responsible, self-sufficient young adults. For more information email info@agbugennext.org.
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