The Children Uniting Nations (CUN) Academic Mentor Centers are under the programmatic umbrella of the Mentoring Partnership for Los Angeles Youth (mPLAY). CUN in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District and other corporate conscience entities work together to serve both at- risk and foster youth throughout Los Angeles County. The CUN strategic plan is to expand to an additional 10 school sites throughout Los Angeles including elementary, middle and high schools in at- risk communities.

• Poor attendance rates
• Less likely to perform at grade level
• More likely to have behavior and discipline problems
• More likely to be assigned to special education classes
• Less likely to attend college
• In need of positive role models
• Demonstrated benefits of mentoring include better school attendance, better grades, improved attitude towards school, increased chance of going on to higher education, improved social and emotional development

• Increased school violence causes a disruption in the learning environment for all students
• Sub-standard academic performance perpetuates already low self-esteem and can contribute to violent behavior
• Today's at- risk and foster youth as a result of mentoring include better school attendance, better grades, improved attitude toward school, increased chance of going on to higher learning institutions, improved social and emotional development

The Academic Mentoring Program was designed to provide the student with additional classroom support while also building self-esteem, life skills, confidence, all while improving the educational outcome of our youth in at-risk communities. Prior to the start of the mentoring relationship the youth's most recent California Standardized Test (CST) scores will be reviewed to determine the students' level of achievement in both Language and Math. Additionally, the selected youth will be given a Self-Esteem Evaluation. All of the data will be compiled along with commentary from teachers, counselors and the Extended Learning (ELA) staff. An individualized Academic Mentoring Plan will be developed thereafter. The mentor, in conjunction with the youth's teachers, counselors, school administrators and program staff, will work together to ensure that the plan goals are achieved.

• Below 65% Grade Point Average
• At Risk and/or Foster Youth
• Grades 6th - 11th

The CUN/mPLAY Academic Mentor Centers provides effective approaches to stabilizing educational transitions for at-risk and foster youth. Extending the services provided by the Academic Mentor Centers enhances the educational outcomes with continuous support services to students as they move through their early childhood and throughout their educational journey.

CUN/mPLAY seeks responsible and enthusiastic volunteers who have a desire to make a difference in the life of a child and the community at large. Studies show that mentoring has a positive and significant effect on the likelihood that a young person will avoid negative behaviors and participate successfully in school and community life. With a growing emphasis nationwide on higher academic standards and student and teacher accountability, educators and child-welfare experts fear that many students (especially those in foster care) are bound to get left behind without extra help.