Constructing Lowell Area Youth (CLAY) is an endeavor of members of the Lowell community to reach out to high school students through mentoring and teaching life skills. The group, which is a non-profit organization, was founded and started meeting regularly nearly a year ago.
Mission and Goals
Part of the CLAY mission statement reads, “To provide and support enrichment programs to build and equip Lowell area youth, particularly those at risk, with necessary tools to succeed in life.” One of the founding members of the group, Bonnie Lent-Davis refers to those behind the organization as a “group of non-profit thinkers”. Many of them are involved with Kids’ Hope, a group which matches at risk kids in K-8 with mentors. In the Lowell area there is a lack of the same sort of program for high school students.
CLAY will strive to dedicate time to students at risk financially and socially through programs and mentoring, although all students are welcome to participate. CLAY is broken down into three “crews”, following the construction theme. Sports and recreation, arts, and life skills. Robert Rogers leads the group using his skills obtained through fundraising, mentoring, and organizing community groups like Impact Church’s Love Week. Brian Worsley and Drew Struckmeyer oversee the sports and recreation section taking from their respective involvement with KidsGames and Ninjas on the Move. Andrea Struckmeyer is responsible for the arts section through her knowledge of arts and organizing Impact Church’s Art Explosion events. Jim Petrovich provides insight on life skills as he currently works as a mentor with numerous kids including talking with students at Unity High over a monthly breakfast. Bonnie Lent-Davis serves as the financial and legal guru of the group. And Kasey Delinsky also adds her expertise to the CLAY leadership team as a professional at Amway specializing in talent acquisition and recruiting the next generation of interns for Amway.
A common thread among those involved is their love of kids and the community. They want to provide positive influence and opportunity to all kids. Much of the leadership group in CLAY is already helping kids in the community. But by working together with their common goal of loving kids and the community, their efforts strengthen and so will those they reach.
CLAY focuses on the high school range where students prepare for life after graduation. Academics and sports are provided through the school system but certain life skills may be lacking. During a meeting with Freshmen Advantage students, overseen by Dustin Cichocki the Freshman Center’s Assistant Principal, Rogers and Worsley met with students who were asked what they’d like to learn but is currently missing from school education and/or life at home. Some of the items mentioned are below.
- Help with getting babysitter certification
- Time management (getting homework done on time, getting to school and work on time)
- Help with some academic subjects and tutoring
- Finances, taxes, and budgets
- Voting
- Sewing
- Community service – giving back to the community
- Economy and future outlook of certain careers
- Writing and publishing drawings and writings
- Language classes and culture
- Music and arts
- Exploratory learning
Reaching Goals
In order to reach their goals, CLAY leadership is networking with local businesses and business professionals interested in helping their cause. A business with a kitchen wanting to partner with the group to offer space once or twice a month where they can learn to cook is one example of where help could be provided. If a business has computer stations students could use to work on resumes, writing skills, and other technology driven aspects of life skills it would be beneficial. Business partnerships involving professional kitchens, mechanical or shop related space, and computer labs will help strengthen the program. Other means of support for CLAY will be sought via donations, grants, and business sponsorship.
Mentors will help guide and support students through their high school years. Showing students simple things like how to tie a tie or change a flat tire or oil on a car may seem like simple skills but they’re often lacking. And many do not know where to go to learn such things.
The first major event sponsored by CLAY is Teen Leadership Summit at the Freshman Center at Lowell High School. On Sunday, September 24 from 4pm to 8:30pm all high school students are invited to attend the event which will be structured like a business conference. The theme of the summit is “Take Charge”, inspiring students to “Take Charge in the coming year, making the most of different opportunities.”, according to Lent-Davis. “Seniors will be empowered to Take Charge of their final year of high school. […] At the same time Freshman and Sophomore students can learn more about how to get the most out of their high school experience.”
A keynote speaker will kick things off followed by breakout sessions, a couple of which will be grade specific. Students will choose two of these sessions where they’ll be able to learn things such as how to write a unique resume or delve into their strengths and weaknesses through tests businesses often use. Students will also have an opportunity to hear from a panel who will look back at their young adult years as they offer advice and take questions. The cost of the summit is $5/student and dinner will be provided. Those interested can find information about the event on Facebook and register by sending a message. Those businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the event are also encouraged to send a message.
Preparing Today’s Youth for Their Future
Students who participate in CLAY programs and work with mentors will be better prepared for their future after high school. Undoubtedly friendships will be made with peers and adults. Those interested in learning more about Construct Lowell Area Youth are invited to look at their Facebook page. If you are interested in donating financially, via time, or have space where teens can learn a certain skill you can contact the group by messaging through Facebook.
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