A partnership between Ithaca High School (IHS) and Beverly J. Martin Elementary School (BJM) is fostering meaningful connections, personal growth, and community empowerment. Through two transformative initiatives—the Young Men of Color Mentorship Program and a Restorative Justice partnership—students from different age groups are coming together to build a stronger, more united, and more compassionate community.
YOUNG MEN OF COLOR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
The Young Men of Color Mentorship Program is designed to cultivate leadership, resilience, and academic success among students. By pairing young men of color from IHS with elementary students at BJM, this initiative aims to create a supportive network of mentors who help shape a future where younger students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Program Goals
Build Confidence and Resilience: Younger students develop self-confidence, resilience, and a positive self-identity through bonds with mentors who understand their unique circumstances.
Strengthen Community Ties: The program nurtures strong connections between students of different age groups, reinforcing a shared sense of belonging and cultural pride.
Encourage Academic and Personal Growth: Both mentors and mentees benefit from an environment that promotes academic achievement, life skills, and social-emotional learning.
Develop Leadership Skills: IHS mentors gain valuable leadership experience, learning how to guide, support, and inspire the next generation.
This program is more than just a mentorship; it is a step toward creating a lasting, supporting community where young men of color uplift one another and thrive together.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: A VISION FOR EMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING
Every Wednesday, Restorative Justice (RJ) Student Leaders from IHS collaborate with BJM students to cultivate empathy, understanding, and accountability. This program is rooted in restorative justice principles, which prioritize healing over punishment and promote healthy conflict resolution.
What Restorative Justice Offers
Dialogue and Accountability: Encouraging open conversations to address conflicts and repair harm.
Community Building: Strengthening and fostering a sense of belonging.
Addressing Systemic Issues: Acknowledging and working to dismantle institutionalized racism within school communities.
Restorative justice is not simply an alternative to punitive discipline; it is a holistic approach that teaches students to resolve conflicts, lead restorative circles, and mediate within their communities. By engaging in this initiative, IHS RJ Student Leaders develop critical skills in active listening, facilitation, and conflict resolution while empowering younger students with the same tools.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Both of the programs exemplify the power of student leadership and cross-age collaboration. Whether through mentorship or restorative practices, IHS and BJM students are actively building a culture of support, growth, and unity. These initiatives highlight the importance of creating spaces where students feel valued, empowered, and prepared to lead with empathy and purpose.
As Ithaca’s youth continue to embrace mentorship and restorative justice, they are shaping a future where connection and community thrive—one relationship and conversation at a time.
