Newark High School Gets Peer-Leadership Grant

The Provident Bank Foundation recently donated $10,000 to introduce a“Peer Group Connection” program at American History High School. The program includes a course in which high school juniors and seniors are trained to become peer leaders.    

        “Peer Group Connection immerses freshmen in safe and supportive groups of their peers led by older student mentors,” said Chavonne Lenoir Perotte, who helped create the program. “As a result, students feel safe, supported, engaged and inspired. We are so pleased to have The Provident Bank Foundation as a critical partner in helping us achieve a significant and sustainable impact on Newark’s youth.”

        Peer leaders work in pairs to co-lead groups of 10-14 freshmen in sessions held once a week. Throughout the sessions, students are engaged in hands-on activities and simulations that enable them to practice essential academic, social and emotional skills, such as critical thinking, goal setting, decision making, time management, teamwork and communication.

        “The transition from middle school to high school can often be a challenging time in many ways for students,” said Jane Kurek, executive director of The Provident Bank. “With the Peer Group Connection program, students can begin to ease into their new roles as high school students, while feeling safe in their new environment and supported by their peers.”