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Local High Schooler Expands Mentorship Program

Student helps middle schoolers navigate the high school application process

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Manta (right) with his brother, Jonathan.

A Howard Beach student who founded his own 501(c)(3) nonprofit which focuses on providing middle schoolers with a mentorship program is hoping to expand.

CEO Michael N. Manta, co-founder and NYCMentors.org’s original mentor, created the program in 2018 so that high school mentors could help their younger classmates with the high school application process, as well as test prep. The idea came about from the work Manta had done with his brother, Jonathan, in developing his high school applications. His little brother was subsequently accepted to The McCallie School.

“I really wanted to do something to give back,” the 16-year-old said. “There’s not really a program in New York City that has this type of mentorship. Having high school students working directly with middle school students, it gives them an older brother or older sister to get advice from. You don’t get that from just tutoring and test prep.”

The symbiotic relationship between high-achieving but under-served middle schoolers with high school students who are looking to give back is vital when middle school students do not have access to such resources. Manta, who attends Xavier High School in Manhattan, is hoping to grow NYCMentors.org in the wake of his little brother’s success and has reached out to State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. to assist him in this process. Addabbo, a member of the Senate Education Committee, is eager to help the ambitious Howard Beach high schooler.

“When Michael came to me with his program and told me he is looking to expand the number of students he would be able to reach, I knew I had to help,” Addabbo said. “I have a daughter in high school and another in middle school, and I know how much of a resource my oldest will be for when my youngest daughter makes that jump into high school. I would love to be able to help students who may not have anyone to help them figure out the complex application process, and what other things a student may need to get into the high school they want — like joining clubs and extracurricular activities.”

“I am incredibly grateful for Senator Addabbo’s decision to help me expand,” Manta told The Wave on Wednesday. “With his help, I believe we will see significant growth and a future to branch out to all parts of NYC. He was enthusiastic to work with us and will be a valuable advocate for us as we seek resources and other help from NYC governmental agencies.”

Right now, Manta’s organization can pair only 25 middle school students with high school mentors; grants are required to help them expand the student pool and maintain the quality of mentorship. Meanwhile, Manta is hopeful for the future of his organization and plans to sign up additional mentors and mentees.

“I hope that we will reach a point with our organization that we can help all underserved middle school students within NYC attend high schools that they want to go to, regardless of their circumstance or location,” he said. “Hopefully, at one point we will lead the initiative in making a fairer system for all students where there is less intimidation and more opportunities for the underserved.”

On Saturday, Sept. 14, NYCMentors.org will have a table at the 19th Annual Chess-in-the-Park Rapid Open at the Bethesda Fountain, Central Park 72nd St. Representatives from Manta’s organization will be there from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. signing up high school and middle school students who wish to participate in the program. To learn more about the program, visit nycmentors.org or reach out via email at info@nycmentors.org.

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