AUBURN - Auburn High School is looking to strengthen the bonds between itself and the community.

The high school is seeking productive members of the community to be mentors to students in an advisory program that would build a stronger community and establish relationships.

“The hope was to get a good cross section of Auburn and the surrounding area - anyone that's a member of Auburn,” said Ski-Yaun Ware, a counselor at the high school who is leading the endeavor.

The Student Advisory Program would develop for students healthy relationships with adult community members who could help in goal setting and prepare them for the future, said Camille Johnson, assistant superintendent for student services.

Through the bonds built between student and advisor, students can recognize the value of an education and become motivated to do well in school, according to the program's mission statement.

Simple things like an advisor going to an athletic event could enhance the self-esteem of students, Ware said.

Devised by the district's Diversity Task Force, the Student Advisory Program is part of the plan to increase the graduation rate.

Community members would serve as role models for high school students who, Ware said, are feeling disconnected from the school.

Anyone, from an executive of a bank to a school board member or teacher, could build a bridge from the community to the school and work one-on-one with students and foster increased academic achievement, Ware said. He has contacted local colleges from Wells to Cayuga Community to see if students - perhaps looking to go into education - would be interested.

“It would be an opportunity for them to come into the school, work one-on-one with a student and see if it's something they'd want to do for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Upwards of 100 Auburn High School students are interested in being matched with someone from the community, he said. As soon as a qualified application for an advisor crosses Ware#,s desk, he said, he matches a student with the advisor based on interests.

“It's an excellent way to affect change,” he said. “People complain about what#,s going on in schools, and the best way to change that is to get involved yourself.”

While there is no strict time requirement advisors must adhere to spend with their students, organizers are looking for people who are willing to commit to an hour or two a week that could be spent engaging in activities that are academic-themed or just fun.

Ware hopes that after a successful pilot at Auburn High School, the program - or a similar version - can be established in other schools.

“My thoughts are that if it gets off the ground and is successful,” he said, “it'll be something that could work for many years to come.”

Staff writer Alyssa Sunkin can be reached at alyssa.sunkin@lee.net or 253-5311 ext. 239.

To become an advisor

Applications for the Student Advisory Program are available on the Auburn Enlarged Central School District Web site at http://district.auburn.cnyric.org. Click on the “Diversity Initiatives” link on the right hand side of the page. The link for the application will be at the top of the page under the heading “Student Advisory Application.”

Interested community members can also contact Ski-Yaun Ware at 255-8367.

All applicants will be bonded and will undergo background checks.