Transferring A Little Knowledge Systematically, TALKS, is a youth leadership/mentoring program that is currently in place at all three Fountain County school corporations. TALKS is a structured approach to sharing wisdom gained through life experiences between adults and young people. The TALKS program is for all youth. Even youth who are not considered “at-risk” benefit greatly from a variety of adult advocates in their lives. All youth have leadership potential.
An adult mentor is matched with three students of the same gender. The group meets at the school once a week during the school day. This structure protects both the youth and adult. Required background checks are conducted by each school corporation. The TALKS program uses a content-based, issue-oriented curriculum that discusses topics such as self-discipline, the power of a positive attitude, rejection and peer pressure. All mentors receive training and a mentor guidebook to assist them in conducting their weekly sessions.
Mentors follow their three students through the school system, so as the students move up in grade level the mentor follows along. The curriculum changes at the junior high/middle school (7th grade). TALKS is structured to begin at the elementary school level. New volunteer mentors are generally matched with 3rd or 4th grade students.
For more information about the TALKS Leadership/Mentoring Program contact Program Director Julie Pettit at 765-793-4881 or email jpettit@capwi.org.
