GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- University of North Dakota student-athletes have consistently been known for their commitment to service. Through a collaboration with the Grand Forks Mentor Center, student-athletes are motivating students in the Grand Forks community to dream big and pursue their academic ambitions.

The Mentor Center is a nationally award-winning resource center for middle and high school students to receive academic support, social-emotional support, and enrichment. "The students who come to the Mentor Center are looking to have access to caring people, the chance to interact with college students and be on a college campus really helps open up the possibilities for our students to consider a college education," said Coordinator of the Grand Forks Mentor Center Robin David. In addition to required academic time, daily programming includes a rotation of art, physical activity, mindfulness, social-emotional learning and games.

Volunteering at the Mentor Center has become one of the most popular volunteer causes because of the meaningful and positive relationships that are built with the students. "I have been able to help kids out with more than just homework, I have been able to help them out in other situations because of the trust I have built with them," said UND women's tennis sophomore Lucia Rizza. "It has been such a great experience and a really rewarding one because over time you see them grow into the amazing people that they are."

Since November 2021, student-athletes have totaled nearly 900 hours with the organization with every athletic program participating in mentoring. "Our student-athletes have fully embraced their roles as mentors," said Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Development Tyler Burmeister. "To be able to collaborate with the Mentor Center and allow our student-athletes the opportunity to build positive relationships with their students has been very inspirational."

For more information on the Grand Forks Mentor Center, please visit the following link: https://www.gfschools.org/domain/1686