University of Redlands

Redlands, California

Recognized by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its commitment to community engagement, the University of Redlands has developed strong programs focused on assisting youth from disadvantaged circumstances. In one such program, the Emmerton Elementary Mentoring project, students of diverse backgrounds came together to develop and lead a mentoring program for an elementary school located in a struggling inner-city neighborhood. Redlands students provided intensive tutoring and worked with elementary students on behavioral, education, interpersonal, and communication skills. Teachers and staff at Emmerton reported an increase in student attendance and fewer suspensions due to the work of Redlands mentors. This project has expanded to other institutions such as Boys and Girls Club or Redlands and the Stillman House for Abused Boys. The university’s Jasper’s Corner Homework Club is a free program that pairs college students with younger students in need of tutoring. Parents of tutored students reported improved grades, homework skills, and an increase in their children’s desire to attend college. The Big and Middle Buddies program, which has been at Redlands for 20 years, provides mentoring, tutoring, and on campus activities to encourage youth to attend college.