Helping New Students Soar: The Co-Pilot Program at Milton Hershey School

By Christopher Rich, MHS Senior Manager of Elementary Division Student Health Services

When new students enroll at Milton Hershey School, they are not just joining a new school; they are entering a whole new environment. That transition can be overwhelming for many students, which is why, over 20 years ago, a group of staff members and I decided to join forces and create the Co-Pilot Mentoring program. As the long-standing founder of the Co-Pilot program, I find the name to be a simple idea; the students are the pilots of their journey. We are just here to help them navigate. 

What began as a small pilot program has now grown to be a staple in the lives of young students at MHS. Each month, new Elementary Division students meet with their paired Co-Pilot groups to eat, talk, and enjoy each other’s company before the start of the school day. They also enjoy monthly group activities like special breakfasts, holiday parties, and trips off campus.  

These groups consist of a small number of students led by adult mentors from all areas of campus, including administrative, custodial, culinary, and other staff members. It is great to see people who don’t typically work with the students every day get a chance to mentor them on a different level. 

Each Co-Pilot group is formed thoughtfully based on grade, gender, and student home. Though the program is only for first through fourth grade students, it consistently serves around 30 groups of students throughout the year.  

For these new students, discussing topics like homesickness, bullying prevention, making friends, and working together helps equip them with the tools they need to thrive at MHS. Teaching each new student that they are not flying alone in any of their struggles is the true goal of the program.  

At the end of each school year, mentors pin a small set of symbolic wings onto each student. These wings recognize that throughout the year, students have grown and learned to navigate life at MHS with the help of their Co-Pilot leaders and everyone at MHS who is rooting for their success.  

Whether through a simple breakfast or a heartfelt conversation, Co-Pilot makes sure each new student knows that a steady hand and familiar face are always in their corner. While the wings they earn may be small, the confidence they gain helps them soar long after their first year. At MHS, no student flies solo.