My Brother’s Keeper Volunteers (2024)

2024 Community Partner Award Winner

The Schenectady City School District has a strong MBK program framework in place based on its past participation in the 2017-2022 MBK Challenge grant program.  Brian Ledbetter, MBL Co-ordinator (project director) works closely with participating students, helping to connect all young men of color in the district through the program. He also coordinates with participating district teachers, counseling/tutoring for students, evaluation of services, budgeting of program funds and reporting. Dr. Carlos Cotto, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Equity, and Engagement, provides program oversight.  Aiding in the program are MBK ambassadors, who are drawn from a mix of district staff, Union College staff, and volunteers. Ambassadors who are part of the district staff coordinate building-level program events.  Union College staff coordinate activities held on campus.  Volunteers, who include recent district graduates and those graduates currently attending college, provide guidance to current MBK program students on challenges they may face in their SCSD careers and beyond. Ambassadors communicate with the MBK Director, building principles and parents of MBK members as necessary. As this structure worked well in previous years, Schenectady MBK will continue to press forward in the mission to improve outcomes for students of color in the district.

Union College students were among the first volunteer mentors.  They worked with high school students  who in turn mentored middle school students who then worked with elementary students .Around thirty students participated in the program at the start and the program   continues to grow. The volunteer mentors work with students in monthly support meetings and STEAM camps where students develop self-confidence and learn to focus and plan ahead. According to one of the students “MBK made me realize my true voice.  You just got to put forth the effort to believe in yourself.”

Learn more at: www.schenectadyschools.org/page/my-brothers-keeper-mbk