Agenda Item
b. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Level Up: In-school Mentoring Services (Not to Exceed $249,995)
Summary: Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access and Opportunity, Division of Access and Opportunity
Request: It is requested that the DeKalb County Board of Education approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta and the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) to provide Level Up: In-School Mentoring services to 400 students at Lithonia Middle School during the 2026-2027 school year.
Why: Lithonia Middle School has worked in partnership with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta program for the past three years, and the results show an improvement in attendance and behavior for participating students. The DCSD would like to continue to implement the Level Up: In-School Mentoring program at Lithonia Middle School to support students in developing a vision for the future, avoid risky behavior(s), and assist in their development of having a sense of belonging. Lithonia Middle School was selected based on at-risk concerns presented by students.
Details: The Level Up program utilizes nine paid staff members, including one mentoring supervisor, and eight lead mentors, who facilitate mentorship within the school day for students in a 1:5 adult mentor to student mentee ratio and in 1:1 settings for select students. The program has the capacity to serve up to 400 students.
Financial impact: Purchased Professional and Technical Services 462.1000.530000.03221.7020.1779. 8010.090.0000 (Title IV grant)
Contact: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access and Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity, 678-676-0485
Latashia W. Searcy, EdD., Executive Director of Student Mentorship and Partnerships, Division of Access & Opportunity Division, 404-808-8874
Effective: August 3, 2026 - July 30, 2027
Status: Approved by the Office of Legal Affairs