In Danville, Illinois, a nonprofit organization that has supported students beyond the classroom for over two decades has now discovered a way to assist them within school walls as well.

Project Success of Vermilion County has secured over $100,000 to launch a parent mentor program. They are looking for twelve parents, with six designated for Meade Park Elementary and another six for South View Upper Elementary.

Parent mentors will be paid to be in the schools four days a week, offering one-on-one aid to students and helping teachers.

The grant came from the Parent Engagement Institute, and they’ll also be offering training services to parents in the program.

The organizer of the program is also a social worker, and she said knows first-hand why something like this is so important.

“Our goal is to foster more parental involvement in schools, not just when issues arise,” explained organizer Amy Boyer. “We hope parents will engage with schools for positive interactions, building strong connections with teachers, principals, and all school personnel.”

Parents will be in the classrooms starting in the beginning of November.