Representatives for the United Way say when it comes to education, volunteers can make a big difference.
The organization reports mentoring just one hour a week can help improve the academic success of a young person. To accomplish this the United Way works with 23 community partner agencies like Big Brothers Big Sisters.
"Statistics have shown that when they have an actual mentor that they're less likely to skip school, less likely to start using drugs and alcohol, less likely to hit somebody," Shyenne McAnally with Big Brothers Big Sisters said. "Over half of them usually improve their school performance and two thirds usually show higher levels of self confidence."
In an effort to recruit more tutors and mentors the United Way is launching a nationwide push to get 1 million new volunteers over the next three years.
Big Brothers Big Sisters representatives report a need for more male volunteers, with 152 boys in Lubbock ready to be matched with a Big Brother. They say many times a boy waits more than a year for a match.
Click these sites for more information:
United Way of LubbockBig Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock
