For Parents

A mentoring program centered around YOUR student.

Strengthening Our Community Through Connection

Rural communities are incredibly special places. We know the strength of our community comes from the relationships we build with one another—and there is always an opportunity to make those connections stronger.

In the years following COVID and Hurricane Helene, many of us have experienced how important strong, supportive networks truly are. BOLT was created to help strengthen those connections by bringing students and caring community members together in simple, meaningful ways.

At its heart, BOLT is about connection. It’s about ensuring that students have someone—someone who checks in, listens, encourages them, inspires them, and reminds them that they are not alone.

A mentor doesn’t have to have all the answers or make a big difference every day. Sometimes, simply showing up, staying connected, and letting a student know that someone believes in them can make all the difference.

Through BOLT, we’re investing in our students and strengthening the fabric of our community—one relationship at a time.

Studies have shown that students with mentors are...

BOLT Mentors: Building Opportunities for Leadership + Trust

Every student deserves to have caring adults in their corner.

What is BOLT?

BOLT (Building Opportunities for Leadership + Trust) Mentors brings students and community members together to build meaningful, lasting relationships that can make a difference in a young person’s life.

Beginning in 8th grade at Polk County Middle School, students can choose to participate in this opt-in program and be paired with a trusted member of our community. BOLT mentors serve as another caring adult who listens, encourages, supports, and walks alongside students as they navigate the journey through middle and high school.

Students from Polk County Middle School (PCMS), Polk County High School (PCHS), and Polk County Early College (PCEC) can join BOLT at any time after 8th grade. Whenever possible, students and mentors are encouraged to “track” together through high school graduation, giving students the gift of a consistent, trusted relationship over the years.

At its heart, BOLT is about community, connection, and showing up for our students. It’s about surrounding young people with adults who believe in them, celebrate their successes, help them navigate challenges, and encourage them to see the possibilities ahead.

Together, we can build a stronger community by investing in our students—one relationship at a time.

Does this sound like something you or your student may be interested in? Email lwatson@polkschools.org and the BOLT Coordinator will be in touch!

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