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# Smart Schools in Mesa awarded $2,500 grant by Cardinals Charities
March 17th, 2022
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Published in the Mesa Independent
Smart Schools Inc., an ancillary of Grad Solutions LLC, has been awarded a $2,500 grant by Cardinals Charities.
The nonprofit Smart Schools provides a customized learning plans and resources for adults looking to complete their high school diploma, according to a release.
The nonprofit received notification of the grant award Feb. 22, said Elizabeth Urquijo, partner marketing specialist for Smart Schools, 1440 S. Clearview Ave. in Mesa.
The grant awarded to Smart Schools will be added to its scholarship fund. The Smart Schools scholarship fund provides financial backing to students in need of tuition assistance, the release states.
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# Pima County School Superintendent’s Office Launches New High School Diploma Recovery Program
September 7th, 2021
Release by Pima County School Superintendent’s Office
**Tucson, AZ**:  The Pima County School Superintendent’s Office has teamed up with Grad Solutions to launch a new high school diploma recovery program.
The PCSS Diploma Recovery Program is a free statewide initiative designed for students between 16-22 who have been out of school for more than 30 days. There are approximately 18,000 young adults in Pima County who fit this criteria and more than 100,000 in the state of Arizona.
“This program is to help our students in need achieve their goals and receive their high school diploma. My first priority as Superintendent is to get students to re-enroll in their district, charter, or private school. If this is not an option, for whatever reason, we now have a program to help these students succeed. I am excited for the impact this program will have in our community and around the state,” said Pima County School Superintendent Dustin J. Williams
“We are excited about our collaboration with PCSS in bringing a special diploma program to the Pima County community. Our program is designed to work with students that need another chance at earning their high school diploma by offering flexibilities and supports the students really need, like mental health counseling, mentorship, and more” said Jim Lee, Founder of Grad Solutions.
Enroll today in the .
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**About the Pima County School Superintendent’s Office**
We believe all students can succeed and educational excellence is our top priority. We encourage all partners to join our mission of leadership, service, and collaboration. Please partner with us to ensure that, together, we successfully meet the needs of every student.
**About Graduation Solutions**
Grad Solutions empowers students to customize their educational program; they create their own schedule and work on their classes anytime or anywhere, to achieve their goal of earning a High School Diploma! We provide a personalized learning plan, a mentor, and certified instructors to guide students on their path to graduation, all at no cost to the student.
* Designed for students between 16-21 years of age that reside in Arizona and have been out of school for more than 30 days.
* Learning plan based on the students’ personal progress within courses as they make their way towards graduation, not simply attendance!
* Award-winning curriculum available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
* Students’ personal mentor works with them every step of the way towards earning their diploma.
* The HUB (Helping Undo Barriers), an in-person resource space where we can help students accomplish their goals.
For more information visit: <
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# From Strangers to Supporters: How Mentors are Preparing Teens for the Future
January 15th, 2025
##### ***Read time: 5 minutes***
Life as a teen can be challenging. It’s full of opportunities for new experiences, learning about the world, and self-discovery. At the same time, it’s full of unknowns and overwhelming obstacles that can cause self-doubts. Developing resilience and grit is essential to navigating these challenges and preparing for adulthood. This is where mentorship plays a crucial role.
Mentors play a powerful role in the lives of teens, as proven by years of .
One study published in  found that people who were mentored during their teen years showed “significantly better outcomes within the domains of education and work (high-school completion, college attendance, employment), mental health (self-esteem, life satisfaction), problem behavior (gang membership, fighting, risk-taking), and health (exercise, birth control use).”
A mentor can provide the guidance, support, and tools a teen needs to build these critical life skills, setting them on a path to future success.
## The Role of Mentorship in Building Resilience
**Resilience—**the ability to recover from setbacks and adapt to adversity—is not something that occurs naturally. It is a skill that is developed over time. A mentor’s presence can make all the difference as long as the teen is willing to participate in the process.
Mentors can promote teens by:
* **Teaching them how to approach problems with a growth mindset.** Rather than fearing failure, teens learn to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. By offering a safe space to discuss challenges and explore solutions, a teen’s relationship with their Mentor can be a haven.
* **Serving as role models**, demonstrating how to handle life’s inevitable ups and downs. When a mentor shares personal stories of overcoming difficulties, it helps teens see that challenges are a natural part of life and can be overcome with determination and perseverance. This perspective helps teens develop a positive outlook, which is a cornerstone of resilience.
## Encouraging Fortitude Through Accountability and Support
**Fortitude—**the mental strength to face adversity with courage—requires both encouragement and discipline. A mentor helps teens cultivate fortitude by setting realistic but challenging goals and holding them accountable for their progress. This balance of support and expectation empowers teens to push beyond their comfort zones and build confidence in their abilities.
For instance, a mentor might guide a teen through a difficult academic subject, a personal challenge, or even a long-term project. By breaking the task into manageable steps and celebrating small wins along the way, the mentor teaches the teen that perseverance pays off. Over time, these experiences reinforce the teen’s belief in their own strength and capability to tackle future challenges.
## Building Self-Worth and Purpose
A mentor’s influence goes beyond problem-solving and goal-setting. They also help teens develop a strong sense of self-worth and purpose, which are essential for building resilience and fortitude. By recognizing and affirming a teen’s unique talents, a mentor boosts their confidence and helps them understand their value. This foundation of self-belief makes it easier for teens to weather criticism, setbacks, and self-doubt.
Mentors often help teens discover their passions and aspirations, guiding them toward meaningful pursuits. When a teen has a clear sense of purpose, they are more likely to remain focused and motivated, even in the face of adversity. This sense of direction acts as an anchor, providing stability during turbulent times.
## Mentorship Through Grad Solutions: A Transformative Relationship
Mentorship from a Grad Solutions Mentor is a transformative relationship that empowers teens to grow into resilient and determined individuals. These mentors go beyond traditional guidance by meeting teens where they are, both academically and emotionally, and tailoring their support to address unique challenges.
A Grad Solutions Mentor:
* **Understand**s that every teen’s journey is different and personalize their approach to each student. Their unique approach helps students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals, as long as students are open to being Mentored.
* **Fosters resilience** by helping students view setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. Whether it’s academic struggles, personal challenges, or a lack of motivation, these mentors provide unwavering support and encouragement. By sharing their own experiences and offering practical tools, they equip teens with the mindset and skills needed to face adversity with confidence.
Through consistent accountability and a focus on long-term success, Grad Solutions Mentors instill fortitude in their students. They guide teens to set achievable milestones and celebrate progress, no matter how small.
This approach builds discipline and also reinforces a sense of self-worth and determination. Over time, the mentorship relationship becomes a cornerstone of the teen’s growth, preparing them for life’s challenges with resilience and courage.
## Preparing Teens for a Resilient Future
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, resilience and grit are more critical than ever. A mentor can come alongside a teen that has decided to make changes and equip them with the skills they need. The mentor can help them approach the future with confidence and adaptability.
**Effective mentoring has one important requirement: the student must be an active participant.** For mentoring to work, the student needs to communicate regularly and be willing to make changes. When that happens, the lessons learned through mentorship have a lasting impact on how teens handle challenges in their personal, academic, and professional lives.
Ultimately, mentorship is a transformative relationship that empowers teens to grow into resilient and determined individuals. By fostering these qualities, mentors not only prepare teens for the demands of adulthood but also inspire them to thrive in the face of life’s uncertainties. For any teen looking to build resilience and grit, a mentor can be a life-changing guide on their journey to success.