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Matthew is mentor of the year
Date issued: Tuesday 22 June 2004 A University of Wolverhampton student has won a national mentoring competition thanks to his success with helping pupils fulfil their potential. Matthew Bates is Toshiba Mentor of the Year after working with four teenagers in Telford – and mentoring them through emails while in the United States. The 22-year-old, who is studying Environmental Management, encouraged the Year 10 Phoenix School pupils to raise their aspirations and think about higher education. He took part in the National Mentoring Pilot Project (NMPP), a Department for Education and Skills initiative involving around 800 university students from across the country. Mentoring involves one-to-one confidential sessions to improve study skills, plan work, build confidence and help decide future goals. Matthew, of Finchfield, Wolverhampton, was delighted to win the title. He was partly chosen due to his commitment in continuing his mentoring through email when his course took him to America for four months and inspiring the pupils with his experiences. “I really enjoyed mentoring and it was brilliant when I found out I had won,” he said. “Working with the pupils helped them focus on what they want out of life and see their future potential. “I took them around the University with me for a day and showed them what it was like. They didn’t realise that a university experience could be for them but now they all hope to go on to higher education.” Matthew had to give a presentation in front of a selection panel and went forward to a final in London Guildhall earlier this month (JUN) where he was presented with his award. Godfrey Blunt, NMPP Project Director at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We are very pleased that Matthew did so well and it is a testament to all his hard work, particularly in continuing his mentoring while in the States.” In the four years since Toshiba Mentor of the Year started, University of Wolverhampton students have taken a first and a second place in the national finals. ENDS For more information please contact Godfrey Blunt on 01902 322441 or Emma Kilvert in the press office on 01902 322003. |
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