“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
MTC was delighted to be honored by the Mountain View Los Altos High School District Board of Trustees on August 22. Their “District Spotlight” on MTC in appreciation of “dedicated service to MVLA students” was a highlight of our 26-year partnership. The Mentor Program all began at Alta Vista High School when Bob Adams, volunteer coach of the schools’ basketball team, recognized that the bonds he was building with his players were having a positive impact on all their lives. Bob approached the principal about partnering to expand the reach, and today over 100 caring adults in the community are mentoring local teens at all three high schools. And we are proud that another 100 volunteers tutor students in our local K-8 schools.
We cannot begin to understand the challenges that our three district partners faced these past two years. It would have been easier for them to put partnerships aside during these difficult times. But instead, they leaned into partnerships. They worked with us to strengthen our work together—to problem solve, adapt, and serve students in new ways. Administrators and staff at all three districts recognized that students needed all the support they could get during the pandemic. They valued the time and expertise of MTC tutors and mentors to play a critical role in supporting students.
I often say that a caring adult in the community can’t just walk into a classroom and start helping kids. It takes a partnership between the schools and an organization like MTC to create a program and an environment in which that volunteer can be most effective, share their unique skills and talents, and make a lasting difference. Partnership is the key.
On behalf of everyone at MTC, thank you to the MVLA High School District, the Mountain View Whisman School District, and the Los Altos School District for all you do!