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Record Number: 12490

Displayed from: Jan 21, 2015 , until: Mar 21, 2015

Study Connection, Fort Wayne Community Schools’ after-school tutoring program, celebrated National Mentoring Month with its newest partner, VOSS Automotive, 4640 Hillegas Road.

VOSS Automotive became the 48th Study Connection site for the 2014-15 school year with 16 employees volunteering, including VOSS CEO Eduardo Vultorius. With the addition of VOSS, there are now 670 volunteers working with students through Study Connection.

“It is through the commitment of businesses like VOSS that we are able to make a difference in students’ lives every day,” said Sharon Callender, coordinator of FWCS Community Programs, which oversees Study Connection. “We know that students who have a mentor have better school attendance and a better attitude about going to school and are more likely to go on to higher education.”

Study Connection began in 1989, founded by Don Wolf, retired CEO and president emeritus of Do it Best Corp. In the last two decades an estimated 10,000 students have gone through the program. Volunteers are matched one-to-one with FWCS students who need academic assistance. Students and volunteers meet weekly after school for one hour during the school year with 79 percent of the students transported to and from local businesses for their tutoring sessions. This not only gives students a chance to receive extra homework help but also to meet a mentor in the community and learn about local career opportunities.

“The benefit for students is obvious, but there is also a great benefit for businesses that allow and encourage their employees to volunteer,” Callender said. “National studies have found that employees who mentor return to work happier, feel more productive, are more loyal and have increased pride in their company.”

As a part of the National Mentoring Month celebration, Study Connection officially unveiled its new logo, featuring the FWCS logo colors.

Businesses, organizations or individuals interested in becoming a part of Study Connection can call 260.467.8810.

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.