CLEVELAND — Learning sessions used to involve teens and mentors, shoulder-to-shoulder, as they swapped encouragement and wisdom. However, a few months ago the pandemic pushed folks inside.
Everyone wondered if these relationships would grow—especially since talks are now being conducted through computer screens.
“These times are very challenging and it’s very easy to second guess or to doubt," said Students of Promise program director Bob Ivory.
Ivory knew there was little room for uncertainty. His goal: Closing achievement gaps. His foundation: Life lessons.
“They told us about black history. Like how it turned from a week to a month,” said student Dewonn Hodges.
Hodges is a student at Bedford High. He and many classmates logged on daily and learned outside the classroom.
“My energy has been way better than it was at the start of the summer,” said Hodges.
To mark the commitment, Ivory’s teens are set to graduate Friday night.
“I am living my dreams,” said actress Kym Whitley.
Whitley, who grew up in Northeast Ohio, will give a Zoom commencement speech.
“The one thing I’m going to say to the students—'If you dream it, you can have it,'” said Whitley.
Thirty students will graduate from the summer session.
Ivory said Cuyahoga County Council, Starting Point, Family and Children First Council, and Cuyahoga County Health and Human Service, helped fund Students of Promise.
