FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fort Myers Mentors Donations Decrease
Decline of Donations Threatens Educational Support
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2015) – For the straight second year, donations to the Fort Myers Mentors is dropping and threatening the closure of its program that provides mentoring and tutoring for disadvantaged high school students in Lee County. The decrease of donations in the past two years could result in the ability to end the program’s progress and involvement with high school students.
Donations peaked in 2012 and since then have decreased by 50 percent. In 2010, individuals donated $5,500 and businesses donated over $10,000. However, as of 2014, donations from individuals dropped to less than $2,000 and businesses contributions fell to $7,500. Fort Myers Mentors has launched a website to accept donations.
“We’ve seen such an improvement in the high school children being tutored,” said Phil Hansen, the association’s executive director. “Without additional donations, I fear that the program may fold and we will no longer be able to support our students being mentored.”
A school district study has shown that standardized test scores of students involved in the program has increased 15 percent on average.
About Fort Myers Mentors
Fort Myers Mentors is a nonprofit association that provides mentors and tutors to disadvantaged high school students in Lee County. Over the past 15 years, the organization has served more than 1,500 students. Currently, the organization has 88 volunteers mentoring 120 students in eight high schools in Lee County. The association’s headquarters is located at 7890 Fowler Ave. in Fort Myers. For more information, visit the Fort Myers Mentors website at http://www.ForMyersMentors.org or call at 239-891-2345.
Photo Caption: Fort Myers Mentor volunteer Bob Jones tutors high school junior Adam Marshall. Through Fort Myers Mentors, students have the opportunity to receive mentorship in their academic studies. (Fort Myers Mentors/Pete Rodriquez)
Graphic Caption: Donations to Fort Myers Mentors from both individuals and businesses have decreased by 50 percent over the past two years.
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CONTACT:
Caroline Haney
Public Relations Student
305-240-9438
Cmhaney7049@eagle.fgcu.edu
Caroline Haney 