Sacred Heart’s LEAD Mentoring Program

BY MACKENZIE RIZZO

Staff Reporter

Sacred Heart’s LEAD Mentoring Program, formally known as “Sunshine For Kids,” is a volunteer mentor program that prepares Bridgeport high school students for college.

Junior Hayley Liberatore said that Sacred Heart partnered with Hall Neighborhood House, an after-school program in Bridgeport, to gather approximately 20 to 30 Hall Neighborhood House students who are interested in getting a head start on the college process.

LEAD is an acronym that stands for Learn, Evolve, Aspire, and Dream.

Liberatore, who has been involved in the program since her freshman year, said that the mentor program gives the mentees the opportunity to develop strong social skills, discover their passions and form connections with the volunteer mentors from Sacred Heart. The mentors’ main focus is preparing the students for college, any struggles they may face, and helping them be as well-equipped as they can be with the college process.

“There are things in life that just fulfill you and being a part of the LEAD Mentoring Program and being able to shed light and knowledge into the lives of these individuals is something that truly fulfills me,” said Liberatore. “Seeing the bright smiles that come from the students and their willingness and excitement to be the best version of themselves that they can be is something like no other.”

The LEAD Mentors Co-President, senior Jordan Devlin, said that the program volunteers meet every Tuesday with the high school students on campus. Together, they do numerous activities which help prepare the students for college. Such activities include writing college essays, joining organizations and sports, navigating the college application process, and deciding what the students are looking for in a college.

Liberatore said that the program provides students with realistic college campus surroundings and atmosphere. This experience inspires the students to enhance their motivation and desire to succeed in life.

“It has been a true pleasure and blessing to be a part of the LEAD Mentoring Program,” said Liberatore. “Not only do you have an impact on the lives of these students as a mentor, but the mentees impact you in the best way possible. It is an honor and pleasure to be able to work with each and every one of the students.”

Previously known as “Sunshine For Kids,” LEAD itself was established on Sacred Heart’s campus last year. Those who were part of the “Sunshine For Kids” program continue their volunteer service through LEAD.

“It has been amazing being a part of the LEAD program. Being able to form close relationships with the high schoolers and helping them through the college process is very rewarding,” said Devlin.

While preparing the Hall Neighborhood House students for college, the Sacred Heart volunteers also formed strong connections with them. During the last hour of the program each week, the mentors bond with the students while eating dinner at 63’s dining hall together.

“I believe the impact that we have on these students, as mentors, represents such leadership,” said Liberatore. “As we all are working towards a degree and finding ways to better our lives, this provides a strong impact on these students of the LEAD Mentoring Program.

“This program has allowed me to give back to the community and has relayed to me how important it is to have positive figures in your life during our adolescent years, in that one individual can make all the difference. LEAD has instilled qualities within me that I will be able to carry with me throughout my whole life and has helped to shape me into the person I am today.”

About the author

Leave a Reply