Over 150 scholars at Newburgh Free Academy’s North Campus are participating in a Peer Group Connection mentoring program. The Peer Group Connection mentor program is a new initiative in the district and is currently implemented at the North and Main campuses of Newburgh Free Academy. Over the summer, the groups of mentors, made up of juniors and seniors, participated in a multi-day training program in preparation of mentoring their younger, freshmen peers this school year.

Newburgh Free Academy’s North Campus developed 25 students to mentor 149 freshmen scholars. All new 9th graders are given a mentor. At the beginning of the year, new 9th graders filled out a survey. The survey combined with notes from teachers, allowed the advisors to pair groups up based on the collective information. Each group has 12-13 mentees and two mentors. Throughout the kick-off day, groups participated in a series of activities that initiated teamwork, reflection, and opportunities to learn about their group members.

The Peer Group Connection Group at NFA North has two advisors, Mr. Phillip Castiglione and Mrs. Lauren LoAlbo with all other teachers as ambassadors of the program. Teacher ambassadors are grade level teachers who have a vested interest in the success of the 9^th grade students.

Mentors receive continuous trainings each week via a one-credit class. During class, mentors and their advisors develop an activity for the mentors to implement with their mentees each week.