MEGA is preparing to kick off its first summer mentoring program! This tremendous effort is in response to a request from Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) leadership for us to continue providing positive role models to our students during these especially challenging times.

Here is a snapshot of the program so far:

The meeting days are Tuesday and Thursday, but we have yet to determine which grade levels will meet on which day. So, it may be possible to mentor two grade sessions. The final details will be worked out once the student and mentor volunteers lists are consolidated and analyzed,

Due to the high student demand so far, MEGA needs more summer mentors than previously anticipated. Please consider joining the effort and sign up for this historic program!

Parents and students will also receive separate emails from MEGA and the schools with instructions, including the registration link below.

Despite the numerous challenges brought on by the pandemic, our classroom mentors successfully completed the 2020-21 virtual mentoring school year.

To prepare for these unprecedented times, MEGA's Programs & Curriculum Committee and various subcommittees created and implemented a virtual curriculum. These members also worked closely with CCPS and MEGA's Training Committee to develop and launch extensive training for mentors on the various technologies needed to conduct virtual mentoring sessions.

During the April 27 mentoring best practices session, over 30 classroom mentors and liaisons discussed lessons learned and how to improve the virtual mentoring environment.

"I am very impressed and thankful for the feedback we received from the liaisons and mentors," said Greg Cummings, vice president for programming and school liaison. "The information we gathered will definitely help us plan and execute next school year's sessions."

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Get your copy of the book here.

MEGA's Season for Sharing kicked off December 15 and concluded January 15 with the annual Fine Art Benefit and Sale. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, every element of the campaign was conducted virtually.

"The giving community was very generous this year despite the pandemic," said Mack Moore, MEGA's treasurer. "We've set a record for fundraising during the Season for Sharing 2021 campaign," Moore explained. "We're extremely grateful to our veteran and new sponsors, supporters and volunteers who continue to help MEGA achieve it's goals and mission."

Over 85% of funds go directly back into MEGA programs and the students.