Central doesn’t make friends. They make CHUMS?

The education department of Central Christian College has instigated a new, exciting program for education students and non-education students alike. Through the work of Melinda Reese and in conjunction with local elementary schools, students at Central have the opportunity to tutor and mentor local elementary students.

            CHUMS (or Caring, Helping, Understanding, Mentoring, Students) was the project of Melinda Reeses’ Master’s of Education Program through McPherson College. The program is a one-on-one mentorship program where a Central student is matched up with a local elementary student to give them tutoring and counsel.

            “It’s been awesome! The key to the success is that we are forming a very strong relationship with the local school district,” stated Reese, who is an education professor at Central.

            The program now involves twelve Central students who meet with their mentee for two hours a week per the agreement. Through the generosity of an anonymous funder in January this year, the mentors are reimbursed for their efforts.

            Though many programs are alive and working in the McPherson elementary school district (Y.M.C.A after-school programs, in-school clubs, etc.), none offer the same level of academic support and one-on-one involvement as CHUMS. However, this program has been thriving in other school districts.

            “At Tabor College, this program has been operating for 18 years. They send out 35 to 40 CHUMS a week,” reported Reese.

Being implemented in the McPherson Community on January 28^th, this fresh new program is working mostly in the Roosevelt elementary school but is already moving to include other schools in the community. It costs nothing for the elementary students or their families whereas tutorship of this same caliber might be unavailable to other families in other areas because of the cost.

According to Reese, the early stages of the program are showing progress, and if it maintains success it may grow to include McPherson College students as well.

Because of the program, relations between Central’s education department and the local school district are thriving. Also, Central students have the opportunity to involve themselves and get compensated. Lastly, elementary students in need are getting needed academic help and positive role-models through Central Christian College.

“I chose this non-traditional program [Masters] because it was to enhance where I was employed [Central],” said Reese. “I am really proud that it is getting accomplished. It does not happen without CHUMS.”

By: Caleb Chase