Audrey Reiley Encouraging Younger Students to Go to College

2016 Oct 5

Audrey Reiley of Auburn, Pa. is volunteering through the Lebanon Valley Education Partnership (LVEP) to encourage other, younger students to enroll in college. Reiley is a graduate of Blue Mountain High School and is pursuing a bachelor of arts in art and art history.

LVEP was established in 1989 between Lebanon Valley College and the Lebanon School District to encourage children in the city of Lebanon to study, stay in school, and aspire to attend college.

Beginning in the eighth grade, students are identified as partners in the program. Partners are students who are doing well academically, but have financial or other circumstances that may prevent them from attending college. The partners are matched with current Lebanon Valley College students, such as Reiley, who serve as mentors throughout the students' high school years.

To facilitate a successful transition to college, Reiley and the other student volunteers serve as mentors at Friday evening activities held throughout the year. For each meeting, student leaders coordinate 20-minute "College Focus" sessions in which mentees learn about life in higher education. After the session, the group shares dinner at the College before participating together in fun group activities such as bowling, ice skating, or attending an LVC athletic event. Mentors and mentees stay in-touch between meetings via emails, text messages, and video chats.

The partnership also provides great financial benefits for mentees. If students enroll in college preparatory classes and maintain a good academic standing while in high school, they become eligible for tuition scholarships at Lebanon Valley College. Scholarship funds are raised each year by dedicated individuals and business members through the Achievement Challenge Golf Tournament.