Finding genius in all the right places.

     The Asheville-Buncombe Education Coalition coalesces its efforts around the idea that one-on-one mentoring, in addition to the help of parents and teachers, can turn a marginalized youth into an inspired and committed student who recognizes his own genius. The aim is to narrow the achievement gap between students of all races and backgrounds and increase graduation rates.

     It's a phenomenal on-going story that pulls in social agencies throughout the county-Big Brothers, Children First, and many others-and galvanizes them in the process of finding mentors and mid-wifing beneficial relationships.

     Aside from the sheer beauty of the concept, there is nothing to compare with seeing high school students work with kids on reading skills, to watch the chemistry unfold and then to be introduced to a minority youth who's serving as a mentor and be told she's trying to decide between scholarships to several Ivy League universities.

     Our work involved developing the group's web site and foundational literature, primarily used in recruiting mentors, supporters and donors who hail from a diverse community of interested souls.

     ABEC's work is carefully measured year to year and the results have been overwhelmingly positive.

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Asheville-Buncombe Education Coalition

Creative direction and writing: Jay Fields
Design: Ron Zisman