GDF Receives a $1,000 grant from First Community Foundation
The First Community Foundation Partnership (FCFP) recently presented a $1,000 grant to The Green Dragon Foundation in support of The Link Crew Program at the Lewisburg Area School District.
Link Crew is a proven high school orientation and transition program that trains upperclassmen, known as Link Leaders, to act as mentors and positive role models for freshmen. According to Melissa Yankowski, a Link Crew advisor, “Two student Link Leaders are assigned a group of ten freshmen for orientation and continue to foster those relationships with peer-to-peer mentoring throughout the year.” These student-leaders are representative of a diverse social group of Lewisburg students. “It’s wonderful to see students brought together in this way and have the opportunity to hone their leadership skills,” Yankowski added.
This exciting program was implemented at Lewisburg Area High School (LAHS) in the 2012-2013 school year and has not only helped many students transition from middle school to high school but has also helped in creating positive changes in student behavior and attitudes. Link Crew continues to evolve with 36 Link Leaders and over 85% in attendance for the orientation this year. “Next year we plan to implement more social and character building events throughout the year,” said Yankowski.
Ann Glock, executive director of the Foundation states, “We are very appreciative of The First Community Foundation Partnership for this grant for the enhancement of our Link Crew Program. Students will directly benefit from their gift.”
