The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation seeks to improve education in Rutherford County, N.C., in the belief that educational advancement will lead to improved economic opportunities and a better quality of life for its residents.

“The goals of the McNair Educational Foundation are so similar to those of the Joe Barnhart Foundation, that we call each other our twin,” joked Vernon Hoyle, its executive director. “And so, when Beeville called and asked for a meeting of the minds, we said, ‘How soon can you be here?’”

On Oct. 21, 22 and 23, Brenda DeLaRosa, program administrator for the Barnhart Scholarship Program, and Scotty Draper and Tamera Ludwig, program coordinators for the Step Ahead Program at A.C. Jones High School in Beeville, traveled by plane to Forest City, N.C. The trio explored ways the McNair Educational Foundation works within East Rutherford High School to meet its program goals.

“Their programs have proven successful for so many years, that we really use them as a model for our programs here,” Scotty Draper said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have observed them in their element and see what works for them, how it works, and why. Mr. Rodney Queen, facilitator for the College and Career Advisement Center at East Rutherford High, and Mr. Neil Van Dyke, coordinator for Gear Up, were instrumental in providing information to me on their specific programs that somewhat parallel the goals of Step Ahead. That information will be useful to me as I continue the kickoff year for Step Ahead in Beeville.”

The Step Ahead program was created in May 2008 as an extension of the Barnhart Scholarship program to create a desire in each freshman student to explore careers fitting their interests and aptitudes. East Rutherford uses a software program provided by the state of North Carolina, while Step Ahead uses CareerScope.

Dr. Barnhart’s vision included the development and expansion of educational opportunities for youth in this community – his hometown. As freshmen, each student should begin thinking about his/her future. The goal is not to choose a lifetime career for them, but to get them started in thinking about their future so that they are better prepared to go on to college after high school if that is what they desire. Once the initial assessments are completed, students will use their evaluations to explore careers fitting their interests and aptitudes, and hopefully, begin to volunteer in their chosen career field.

The trio also sat in on mentoring sessions between the McNair adult mentors and the East High School students. Mentoring is what defines the McNair Educational Foundation programs, as well as the Joe Barnhart Foundation programs. East Rutherford High School is approximately the same size as A.C. Jones and each of these unique programs have adapted well. Unique is an understatement for two reasons: the collaboration between a public school and a private foundation is almost unheard of; and, the one-on-one relationship of each student with a volunteer is unmatched.

Janice Waugh traded financial aid information with Barnhart Scholarship guru, Brenda DeLaRosa, and discussed ways in which students will use their volunteer service and other resources to fulfill the requirements that are so important in the college application process. Marilyn Steele, mentor assistant, provided scheduling management skills.

Anyone with a student at A.C. Jones who would like more information on either of these programs, may call Mrs. DeLaRosa or Mrs. Draper at the scholarship office (358-0413) or Step Ahead office (362-9664) or have the student stop by their offices.

Organizations or community businesses interested in providing hands-on learning to young volunteers eager to explore new careers, are encouraged to call or come by as well.