| HISPANIC KIDS NEED MENTORS |
| Written by Maria Elena Salinas |
| Monday, April 08 2002 |
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| The lack of mentors in the United States for Hispanic students is so bad that there is a plan to import them from Mexico. Sounds like a novel idea -- invite professionals from south of the border, such as scientists, athletes and artists. Have them meet and chat with young Hispanic kids and motivate them to stay in school. Then reciprocate by sending professionals from the United States to Mexico. Mayor Gus Garcia of Austin, Texas, is working with the Mexican government to launch the pilot program.
As much as I feel that this is a well-intended and potentially successful project, I wonder why it's necessary to import mentors instead of recruiting them right here at home. Mentors are one of many possible solutions to reduce the alarming rate of high-school dropouts among Hispanics. The latest figures are way too high: 35 percent of Hispanic students leave their studies before the 12th grade. Thirty-five percent. That's higher than any other ethnic group in the United States.
I researched the subject when I spearheaded a campaign on Spanish-language radio a couple of years ago to motivate students to stay in school. That's when I realized that there are no easy solutions. For decades, educators have been analyzing this phenomenon and making recommendations. But the problem persists. In one study called "No More Excuses," everyone involved ended up pointing fingers. Parents blamed the schools. Students blamed the teachers. Teachers blamed the parents and school administrators. And school districts blamed the problem on lack of qualified personnel and lack of cooperation from the community.
There were plenty of excuses to go around, but very few solutions -- few, but valuable. Teachers and administrators discovered that when students got support and had high standards, they did better in class. They also fared better when their cultural differences were taken into consideration. Among the recommendations the nationwide study made was that each student who is considered a potential dropout should have a mentor to motivate him or her to stay in school. Parental involvement in a child's education is also critical.
Unfortunately, lack of motivation is not the only factor that makes Hispanic kids call it quits. There are also social and economic reasons -- everything from feeling like they don't fit in, to teen-age pregnancy. Many young Hispanics work to help their families make ends meet, and they can't handle the challenges of both school and work. Others drop out because of peer pressure or because they don't feel safe in their schools. But the majority, according to a study from the U.S. Department of Education, simply don't like school.
If they knew the consequences of dropping out of school, they might think differently. They might put up with having to juggle a tough schedule. They might find ways to stay away from dangerous situations. Teen-age mothers might look for alternative schooling with childcare. If they realized what the future holds for them without an education, they might acquire a taste for school. That is where the role of a mentor comes in -- not just to motivate the students and serve as a role model, but to educate them about the possibilities out there for those who believe in themselves and work hard to achieve their goals.
Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States. We are now 12.5 percent of the population, a number that is expected to double in the next 20 years. Thirty-five percent of Hispanics are under 18 years of age. If one out of every three Hispanic students continues dropping out of school, the results could be disastrous.
I am sure there are plenty of Hispanic professionals in the United States. It's commendable that Mexican mentors are making themselves available. But there must be plenty of scientists, athletes, artists and other professionals north of the border who would be willing to be mentors to Hispanic youths. The future of our country depends on it. |
