An exciting new mentorship program has launched at T.J. Austin Elementary School, pairing Tyler High School’s Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) cadets with students in grades 3-5. The initiative aims to foster confidence, discipline, and leadership through bi-weekly mentorship sessions, providing a structured and supportive environment for students to learn and grow under the guidance of their older peers.
As January marks National Mentoring Month, this program highlights the vital role mentorship plays in shaping future leaders and fostering personal growth. By pairing elementary students with JROTC cadets, Tyler ISD underscores its commitment to creating meaningful connections that inspire success.
T.J. Austin Principal Josh Currie expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential saying, “Partnering with Tyler High’s JROTC cadets provides our students not only with role models but also with a sense of purpose and direction that has an immediate and potentially lifelong impact. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to build resilience and learn important values.”
Led by Retired U.S. Army Sergeant and Senior Army Instructor Corey Cato and Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Samuel Tinker, the Tyler High JROTC program has a strong leadership vision. According to Sergeant Cato, “This is a chance for our cadets to lead by example and inspire future leaders of our community.”
The mentorship sessions are designed to help students develop key life skills such as self-discipline, teamwork, and leadership through engaging activities and practical experiences. The JROTC cadets, in turn, gain valuable leadership experience as they serve as positive role models for the younger students.
“This program is about empowering our students,” T.J. Austin Counselor Ashley Venters said. “They develop confidence and a strong foundation for personal growth that benefits them now and in the future.”
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.