Partners for New Generations (PNG) is a program that is enormously beneficial to our students in terms of providing a caring adult to help the students connect not only with their school, but also with a positive perspective on life.

Barry Groves, MVLA Superintendent of Schools, agrees that students who have participated in this program have had their lives changed in ways that none of us ever suspected.

The Los Altos Rotary Club started PNG as a youth project in 1995 with the mission of recruiting elementary school tutors. Through the influence of Bob Adams, it has grown to include high school mentors and youth advocates in the court system. Adams, the fund raising chair for Partners, worked as a mentor by coaching the Alta Vista High School basketball team for 10 years and is now mentoring a student. “The fondest memories in my life are working with kids,” Adams relates.

Partners for New Generations recruit and train adult volunteers and through the help of teachers matches students who need counsel and friendship.

PNG board member, Mona Armistead said many high school students participate in the program because they need help outside the family and the school environment. “Many of the children in the PNG program are at-risk kids who attend a continuation high school and mentors help them see the possibilities in front of them,” said Armistead. “Today we have about 109 mentors on campus and 44 off campus and four new mentors. At this time, eight students are identified as needing mentors.

Groves offered an example of a student needing a job but did not have a social security card and the process continued to stall. His mentor persisted in following through with the school, the young man’s mother, and the social security office. Because of the mentor’s involvement and follow through, this student has the ability to be a productive member of society.

A PNG tutoring volunteer generally works with a younger student under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher or school personnel. In elementary schools in Los Altos and Mountain View, the tutors work with children in first through third grades with reading, writing and communicating skills they will need throughout their school careers.

Tutors typically devote one hour a week to their effort. They prefer to choose the school where they want to volunteer and usually the one closest to their home or workplace.

Keith Moody, principal of the Mountain View High School is appreciative of the tutoring help he receives. “Coordination and reinforcement of teaching strategies has proven to be invaluable in the success of students. The Partners for New Generations program addresses the needs of students who definitely would have been underserved by the traditional educational system.”

With over 150 volunteers working with PNG at various levels, the goal today is to offer volunteer opportunities so you can decide if you want to get involved. PNG chair for 2009-2010, Bonnie Burdett gets involved so she can serve the needs of the children in our community.

For more information, you can contact Linda Waud at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at:  (650) 691-2434, or click on 'CONTACT US' above.  Complete the contact information and someone will contact you within a day or two.