Sarah Hemminger

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2009

Sarah Hemminger

Incentive Mentoring Program

http://www.incentivementoringprogram.org

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Education & Youth Leadership

The Bold Idea:

The Bold Idea: Empower struggling teenagers to break the cycle of poverty, drugs and lack of education by surrounding them with “families” of mentors who fill critical gaps in academic and social support.

Baltimore City public high schools have a graduation rate of 39 percent. At five out of six Baltimore schools, the majority of students qualify for federally subsidized meals. Baltimore has the highest rate of heroin-related crime in the U.S. and almost half of those arrested for drug trafficking are juveniles.

The Incentive Mentoring Program (IMP) families coach life skills through activities based on three elements: academic assistance; community service; and team building. Without overburdening individual volunteers, a team of six to twelve mentors led by an experienced “head of household” can form customized solutions to the challenges these children and their families face.

Biography:

The inspiration for IMP came from the obstacles Sarah's husband has overcome. When Ryan was eleven, his mother was in a car accident. Unable to work, she began selling narcotics and became addicted. His family lost their home, and Ryan began failing school. Some teachers took a special interest in him, providing tutoring, clothing, food, and more. With individualized support, Ryan graduated high school and attended the US Naval Academy. Sarah realized that there must be others like Ryan, who struggle with insufficient support, not insufficient potential.

Moment of Obligation: What experiences led to the desire to start your own organization?
My best friend grew up in a middle class suburb until his mom was badly injured in a car accident.  With his mom unable to work, they eventually lost their house and moved to the city.  She began selling the pain killers that she had been prescribed, while at the same time using them heavily herself.  They went on public assistance and at times were without heat and electricity.  As a result, he failed all of his classes and missed over 30 days of school his freshman year.  I met him during his senior year when he was a straight 'A' student applying to college and had difficulty understanding his progression from an 'F' to 'A' student.  He explained that there was a group of teachers that had taken a keen interest in him.  Not only did they teach him math and science, but they looked at his overall circumstances and found ways to help, never allowing his financial status to stand in the way of his success.  When he needed a suit for senior pictures they took him shopping, when the holidays came around they brought food to his home. He attended the United States Naval Academy, served as the communications officer on the USS Pennsylvania, a ballistic missile submarine, and now works in finance.  
 
His determination, strength of moral character, and courage of conviction in the midst of adversity were only some of the many reasons that I fell in love with him.  When we were married five years later, we were lucky enough to have his teachers come and celebrate in our joy.
 
During my first year of graduate school, I guess you could say I had an ‘early twenties’ crisis.  I had everything I could have ever hoped for, a loving husband, a home, the beginnings of a career, yet I felt that I was called to something different.  I had driven by Dunbar every morning on my way to Hopkins without much regard, until one day I began to think about who might be in that building.  I realized that there were probably other students like Ryan who might be struggling, not because of lack of potential, but because of a lack of direction.  I thought, if the teachers at Broad Ripple High School could provide support for Ryan, then maybe I could too.

Gall to Think Big: What has given you the ability to dream big and take on deeply entrenched social and difficult problems? (Such as experiences, skills, events, etc.)
Faith.

New and Untested: What's innovative about your new idea for social change?
IMP empowers struggling teenagers to break the cycle of poverty, drugs and lack of education by surrounding them with “families” of mentors who fill critical gaps in academic and social support. IMP Families coach life skills through activities based on three elements: academic assistance, community service, and team-building. Academically, each IMP student receives six to twenty hours of one-on-one tutoring per week, SAT preparation, and essay writing workshops. Mentors also serve as advocates, communicating with teachers on a weekly basis to monitor assignments and behavior. In non-academic settings, students develop confidence and pride through monthly service projects such as tutoring at local middle schools, working at food banks, and helping at a women's group home for addicted mothers. They practice teamwork and group problem-solving during field trips such as camping and high ropes courses.

Most importantly, IMP Families help students form customized solutions to the challenges they face. As needed, these teams connect students and their families with rehabilitation and other social services. Mentors also help students with day-to-day problems, from securing clean clothing to providing transportation. Without overburdening volunteers, a team of six to twelve mentors led by an experienced “Head of Household” can get the job done. The daily activities of tutoring, advocating, and mentoring, allow the IMP family to create the customized solution to problems facing our students. The tailored solution helps the student to recognize and value education, leadership, and service to the community. Furthermore, it also removes a sense of despair that permeates their inner city neighborhoods and allows them to escape the cycle of poverty, drugs, and lack of education. Once the students begin to believe in their own success, we begin to see visible improvements in their lives including higher grades, reduction in gang and crime related activities, and a more positive attitude.

Seeing Possibilities: What are the most important qualities to be a successful social entrepreneur?
Compassion, unwavering humility, and adaptability.

Which musical artists/albums get you going and keep you inspired?
Bob Dylan and The Avett Brothers.

What books do you recommend (pleasure, work and anything in between)?
The Bible

Which websites do you visit often (work and/or personal)?

• pubmed.gov

What advice or quote do you keep close to your heart as a social change leader?
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." - Albert Schweitzer.