WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State University Athlete Mentors Program (AMP) is teaming up with the May Street School for the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4 to assist with day-to-day classroom activities.

Every day this week, a group of Worcester State University’s AMP members are going next door to the May Street School to work with 4^th graders in the classroom. Each AMP member works with the students on subjects such as math, reading, and social studies. Whether they are helping the students read a book, or assisting with math problems, it incorporates fun into learning, and allows strong relationships to flourish between the 4^th graders and Worcester State’s student-athletes.

“The kids were thrilled to see us and truly enjoyed the time we spent assisting them with their classwork,” said Worcester State football player, Nick Maxner.

In addition to helping with classroom activities, AMP has been involved with a pen-pal program in which the 4^th graders communicate via letters with the student-athletes throughout the entirety of the school year. The pen-pals started back in September, and they have just met this week. The pan-pals write back-and-forth each month to talk about school, favorite sports, hobbies, family, etc.

“It was nice to meet my pen pal for the first time and I look forward to seeing all of the students again soon,” stated Maxner.

“Our student-athletes are able to see how powerful their presence has on the minds of younger students,” stated Worcester State’s Coordinator of Student Athlete Support Services and AMP Advisor, Kelly Downs. “They are able to encourage their pen pals to work hard in school and inspire them for the bright future ahead of them.”

The pen-pal program will go through the spring semester. In April, AMP will host a field day for the May Street School on John F. Coughlin Memorial field to conclude the 2015-16 school year together. At this point, the 4^th graders and the AMP members will have a final meeting to say goodbye.

“It’s great to see our athlete mentors so dedicated off the field in guiding the youth to a positive lifestyle,” said Downs.

The Athlete Mentor Program is a leadership program in which the student-athletes provide support to other athletes in the areas of academic resources, offering learning strategies, study skills, and time management skills for academic success. In addition to helping student-athletes, they act as a role model for other students around the campus, while also being an active member in the Worcester community.