UA Ferguson Center Launches Al’s Pals Mentorship Program

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Ferguson Center is launching Al’s Pals, a campus mentorship program that will pair UA and elementary school students at the new McKenzie Court Community Center in Tuscaloosa.

UA students will mentor youngsters in second and third grades when the program begins in the spring semester. Applications for Al’s Pals will be accepted until Jan. 12, and interviews will be set up as needed.

“We are so excited about bringing Al’s Pals to McKenzie Court,” said Betsy Ervin, McKenzie Court site manager. “This program will allow elementary school students to meet people from all walks of life who can give them the confidence they need to realize that they too can go to college and be successful in the future.”

Mentor applications for UA students are available at several locations in the Ferguson Center, including the second floor information desk, Community Service Center, Student Involvement & Leadership office and the Ferguson Center director’s office. All UA students are invited to apply.

The one-on-one mentoring will begin at the McKenzie Court Community Center on Jan. 19 and 20. Mentor meetings will be held every Wednesday and Thursday from 3-5 p.m. for the rest of the semester. Mentors can choose which day they would like to meet with their student.

The Al’s Pals program will help organize transportation to McKenzie Court for mentors if needed and will provide training and support for all Al’s Pals mentors.

McKenzie Court was the largest and second oldest public housing development in Tuscaloosa before receiving one of seven Hope VI grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant allowed the Tuscaloosa Housing Authority to revitalize the McKenzie Court area.

For more information or to request an Al’s Pals application, contact 205/965-4303, alspalsua@gmail.com or visit http://ferguson.ua.edu/applications.html.

The Ferguson Center collaboratively serves the educational mission of the University by encouraging, supporting and celebrating personal development, involvement, citizenship, leadership and respect for a healthy campus community.