Katy ISD will be kicking off its thirtieth year of the KEYS (Keep Encouraging Youth toward Success) program at a special event from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on September 12 at the Leonard Merrell Center, 6301 S. Stadium Lane in Katy. The them is “30 Years Unlocking Potential.”

Current mentors are invited to bring a friend and “lead the way.” New and prospective mentors are invited to be “the key to change.”

KEYS is a one-to-one mentorship program designed to encourage students toward success. Offered at every campus at every grade level, the KEYS Mentor Program’s primary focus is on relationship building, rather than tutoring. Teachers, counselors and school administrators identify students who are good candidates for the program, while Katy ISD Partners in Education recruits mentors from the community. Each KEYS mentor must make a one school year commitment to the program, apply and pass the same criminal background check used for Katy ISD employees and attend a campus orientation. Mentors are placed with a student by the KEYS campus liaison who will support and supervise the relationship. Mentors and their mentees meet each week on campus in an open, monitored environment such as the library.

To apply to be a KEYS mentor, go to https://publicbiapps.katyisd.org/KEYSMentorApplication/Default.aspx. To learn more or to RSVP for the September 12 event, visit Partners in Education at www.katyisd.org/partners-in-education or contact Cydney Wright, 281-396-2468, cydneyjwright@katyisd.org.