February, 2023
By Lizeth Moctezuma, Editor-In-Chief
KAC’s PALS, a peer assistant leadership and service program, is accepting new potential mentors for elementary, middle, and high school students– but what exactly does being a member of the PALS program mean?
The program is run by Mr. Neils, the eighth grade Social Studies teacher and certified counselor at KIPP Austin College Prep. Neils was proud of the good connections that came out between students when he was a high school PALs member himself, which encouraged him to start the program in our very own KIPP Austin Collegiate. And while Mr. Neils’ plans and pairs students with their respective mentors, a match that they stick with throughout the school year, everything else is student-led.
PALs member and KAC senior Naomi Gomez explained that the pairs meet weekly, with KAC students spending the day with the individual student in their respective school. Tuesdays they meet at College Prep, Thursdays at Comunidad, and Fridays at Collegiate. The KAC PALs members support their partner students in any way they can. Some may struggle with issues at home, and in turn, academically; it’s all about helping these students and being there for them even if it means simply talking to them.
“We don’t lecture them, we’re there to be their ears. It’s kind of nice,” says Ismael Cortez, KAC senior and PALS member.
While the class counts as a regular full-credit course (placed into the eight-period schedule), what really pushes mentors to continue with the program is aiming to provide comfort to kids who may need it. “I feel like that’s something that I want to do for someone, help them feel good about themselves… especially if they’re having a tough time at home,” Gomez said.
And though this year has been the first-year for PALs (with current members having been recommended by teachers), applications are free for anyone to apply. In the future Mr.Neils hopes that it is PALS members who recommend new and potential mentors. As one of the first overlapping programs between KIPP schools, time can only tell how PALS will grow in both size and success!
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