Feb. 14, 2019 – Thirteen Carter G. Woodson Elementary School students are making history. They will be part of the first elementary chapter of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence program in Duval County Public Schools.
The 5000 Role Models of Excellence is a mentorship initiative aimed toward providing opportunities to empower minority male youth to make good decisions. It’s a program that Principal Brandon Clayton has been working to get at his school for two years.
"I believe our young men today have so many opportunities ahead of them if they're given the right chances," said Clayton. "I want them to see through the mentors that someone just like them went the extra mile and made it."
Clayton said he hand-picked this group of thirteen students from a similar program at his school, called the Gents of Carter G. He says he is already looking for mentors to guide the children into a positive future.
"I'm really looking for anyone who has a story to tell," said Clayton.
These students will be among the nearly 450 students that make up 16 chapters of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence program in Duval County Public Schools. Students in the program have had an average of an 80 percent decrease in behavioral referrals and a 23 percent increase in overall GPA.
Team Duval is excited to see these budding young men become 5000 Role Models of Excellence. If you are interested becoming a mentor with this chapter, visit their website here.