Milton Hershey School Employees Kick Off 2019-20 Co-Pilot Mentoring Program

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 78 Milton Hershey School employees met with 106 newly enrolled elementary-aged students to kick off the Co-Pilot Mentoring program for the 2019-20 school year.

Milton Hershey School staff have made it a top priority to help new students and their parents/sponsors adjust to life at MHS and see that students stay through graduation. The Co-Pilot Mentoring program pairs one or three MHS staff mentors with five to six elementary students and a junior Co-Pilot leader.

Throughout the school year, Co-Pilot groups will meet formally once a month to participate in planned activities to build relationships and help students develop skills, including working in a team, overcoming homesickness, celebrating diversity, making responsible decisions, and more.

“I think the program provides students with an adult—a friend—outside of their normal day,” said Wendy Hake, an MHS Finance employee and Co-Pilot mentor. “For me, it’s an opportunity to connect with students and make a difference in their lives. The lessons that are taught in Co-Pilot are critical for these students because it is things they are going through. We provide an opportunity for them to talk about what is happening in their lives.”

Outside of formal meetings, Co-Pilot groups gather together for lunch and other fun activities.

The Co-Pilot Mentoring program began more than 14 years ago and is one of several programs created to provide support to newly enrolled students. In addition, the school offers New Spartan Academy for new students and Spartan Sponsor Academy for parents/sponsors.

Learn more about how MHS helps newly enrolled students transition to life at MHS.