Aldine ISD Creates Lighthouse Mentorship Project for District Students

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During the 2024-2025 school year, Aldine ISD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department and Student Support Services created the Lighthouse Mentorship Project, a joint mentoring program for third, fifth, and eighth-grade students at Anderson Academy, Francis Elementary, and Grantham Academy, respectively.

The program features 25 Aldine district leaders who were selected through a program signup, and underwent a thorough orientation process led by FACE. The students were selected by the campus counselors, identifying those who would benefit the most from additional support with relational skills. The mentors will follow their mentees throughout their schooling, up until graduation. Additionally, the mentors meet their students on campus during school hours, and the school counselors are the ones who set those times.

“My desire is for this program to cultivate strong, positive relationships among our students while paving the way for their educational success,” said Diaka Melendez, assistant superintendent of student support.

With the mentors all being district leaders within Aldine, it allows for a unique opportunity of guidance. The mentors have access to the grades and attendance of their mentees, and can use this information for added insight in how to best assist the students during their scheduled meetings. This is only the first year for the program, but plans to expand the amount of students being mentored, and campuses being included, are already underway for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Lighthouse Mentorship Program name was chosen to reflect the ultimate goal of the project, which is to be a beacon of hope for the students by helping them manage and navigate situations and overcome challenges they encounter. Whether it be academic or social and emotional challenges, the mentors are there for the students.