By: Shilesky Montalvo, Staff writer

Lebanon Valley Educational Partnership program was established in 1989 by President John A. Synodinos.

This program involves middle and high school students from Lebanon School District and Lebanon Valley College students. Lebanon Valley College students serve as mentors for the younger generation in order to encourage them to go to college, get good grades and give them a feeling of what college is all about.

“The LVEP program was so helpful,” Ivonne Mbugua, a sophomore biology major, said. “I wasn’t stressed out preparing for college because I was helped along the way.”

Another LVC student said the program helped her out tremendously before arriving at the Valley.

“I obtained more social skills,” Ayla Esbri, a freshman early childhood education major, said. “I met new people (LVC mentors), and I was able to get a sense of what the college life was like.”

Rev. Dr. Paul Fullmer, chaplain and director of service and volunteerism, is in charge of the LVEP program which meets once a month from September until April.

“LVEP preselects exceptional students academically and with financial needs,” Chaplain Fullmer said. “A select number of students receive a full tuition scholarship to come to LVC.”

The LVEP program is always looking to improve. Paula Wilson, an adjunct instructor in education department, joined the LVEP program to help the program grow.

If anyone is interested in becoming an LVEP mentor, one can fill out a form. Forms can be found on La Vie’s website, www2.lvc.edu/lavie. Program leaders say participation is good for one’s resume, and it’s a nice way to interact with the younger generation.