Struggles have varied causes

As a coordinator of after-school and mentoring programs in Cheney, I see the need for and benefit of integrated student support services before and after school every day. Some struggling students need positive one-on-one relationships with trusted adults, whereas others simply need a safe place to be after school. I speak from experience when I say that mentoring and after-school programs have a direct impact on students’ behavior and academic performance.

In June, as part of Priority Spokane, Gonzaga University released their report on middle school interventions to decrease the dropout rate. They concluded that one of the three main pillars of support needed to decrease the dropout rate is social support, like after-school mentoring. I agree wholeheartedly. These programs provide an invaluable safety net to students, helping them stay in school and succeed in life.

The Children’s Investment Fund is Spokane’s opportunity to wrap these and other vital services around youth and keep them in school. The Our Kids: Our Business campaign has done an excellent job raising awareness in our community. Now it is time to put those words into action and place our children first by voting yes for Proposition 1 on your November ballot.

Sheri Frantilla

Cheney