Luther fraternity aids struggling children

Along with fellow Zeta Tau Psi members, Erik Clark (‘10) has organized a project to reach out to children in the community. The program is called Believing and Achieving.

The Believing and Achieving program works with struggling elementary-aged students from John Cline Elementary.

Clark began the program after his eye-opening experiences working for Luther’s Upward Bound program. He worked with children who were struggling academically and socially, and he wanted to see a change.

“I worked with [Upward Bound] kids who had holes in their education that should have been identified earlier and corrected.” Clark said. “This upset me and I decided that I was going to do what I could to help young students develop a love for learning and give them the resources they need to be successful.”

Thomas Ingram (‘09), Zeta Tau Psi President, spoke highly of Clark’s determination.

“[Clark] went out and discussed issues with the [John Cline] Principal and asked what the problems were in the schools today.”

Believing and Achieving mates work one-on-one with elementary children in areas of both education and social skills.

“The mission of the Believing and Achieving program is to assist students in their educational journey,” Clark said. “By believing in students and giving them the tools for success, they can achieve great things.”

Clark recognizes that something much bigger is happening to these students.

“The program provides elementary school students with guidance for academic achievement and life mentoring,” Clark said.

The mentors don’t only help students academically.

“We also connect with them on a social level, as well,” said Ingram.

Ingram hopes the success of the Believing and Achieving program will continue.

“We would love for this program to be an ongoing project with Zeta Tau Psi and the community,” Ingram said.

In order to be involved, one must devote two hours a week to the project. Mentoring takes place from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., and students can participate on either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday.

Anyone who wishes to become involved should email Clark at clarer01@luther.edu. College participants will hold meetings every Sunday evening at 8:15 on Farwell’s eighth floor.

“To be involved all you have to do is have a love for children and their development,” said Clark.