The Johnson City (JC) Program is under the auspices of the Academic Programs of Off Campus College. The JC Mentor/Tutor Program is a service-learning opportunity offered for two-credits. Participants are required to work 5-6 hours a week and attend a weekly seminar. Mentors/tutors work with high needs and at-risk youth ages 10 to 18 (grades 5th through GED Program). This program exemplifies the excellent collaborative efforts that characterize Binghamton University’s interaction with the surrounding communities.

Binghamton supports initiatives that provide opportunities for our students to develop citizenship ideals and represent the campus externally. These initiatives are the Off Campus College Academic Programs, The Good Neighbor Program and Volunteer Programs. Staff work closely with student government and cultural organizations to emphasize meaningful participation in community centered activities. The Good Neighbor Program works in the community to inform local government officials and community residents about trends and factors that affect our students. Simultaneously students are encouraged to take an active role in preventing conflict through communication and reasonable behavior. The Volunteer Programs celebrate the active role volunteerism has played in the Binghamton tradition. The OCC Academic Programs consist of local spring and fall internship placements, a flexible summer program, a Group Projects course and the Johnson City Mentor/Tutor Program.

The Johnson City School District Mentoring/Tutoring Program
Planning for the Program began with a request from the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, in the Fall of 1996 and the first 19 Binghamton University students were selected to be mentors beginning in the Spring of 1997. In 1999 over 50 BU students participated. The program features involvement with the school, and with children’s families, course work and training for the mentors, and a comprehensive approach to children’s success.

Outcomes:
A significant number of Binghamton University students are considering teaching. Several members of the initial group (spring 97) and the second group (97-98) completed their masters in teaching. The JC program provides assistance and additional support for at-risk youth in the school environment, guided pre-teaching experience for BU undergraduates, and an important link to local families with school aged children. The School District is very pleased with the success of the program and improvements have been noted in the performance of several children involved with the program. Several other school districts are requesting similar programs.

For questions on volunteer work at Binghamton: Mary Beth Willis, mbwillis {at} binghamton(.)edu
OCC Volunteering home page: http://occ.binghamton.edu/Volunteer/VolunHome.html