Lancer Leaders Peer Mentoring Program at Abraham Lincoln High School

The Lancer Leaders program matches thirty peer mentors—upperclassmen who have leadership positions within the school such as student council, Link Crew and National Honor Society—with incoming freshman who are underperforming academically or demonstrating unacceptable school behaviors. The school’s stated mission is to ensure that “all seniors graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School will qualify for a four year college or university.” The Lancer Leaders program furthers Lincoln’s mission, as students in past YESS programs have experienced increased attendance and academic performance and a more positive outlook towards school and their futures.

Making change one youth at a time:
“I never thought life could be so difficult: crews, fights, drama, problems, no respect, gangs, boys, drugs, alcohol.  Nobody understood me. Nobody cared about me. I was in my own little world. In my life there was a big change. I remember I ditched, they got me and brought me to Medina and that is when he gave me a contract and brought me into the YESS mentoring program. On my first day I was scared, it was embarrassing. I met two mentors.  They showed me how to respect and be good. At first I didn’t care but then I realized that my life wouldn’t be so difficult if I listened. Now my life is cool, no drama, no crews, no boys. I am just cool.”
Jackie Osorio, Lancer Leaders Program