In 2005 we transitioned to a partnership with the Lower Manhattan Arts Academy (LoMA), a newly created small high school whose mission is “to foster intellectual and character development in a learning community that emphasizes cultural awareness, critical thinking and the joy of learning.” Starting in 2005-2006 with a ninth grade class of approximately 80 students, the school added a new class each year until it reached its capacity of 300 students in the 2008-2009 school year.
OppenheimerFunds employees currently mentor nearly 40 students at LoMA. Mentors meet with their students on a weekly basis to offer guidance with schoolwork and college preparation as well as being a source of support throughout their high school years. As a result, the students build a relationship with an adult who can be both a role model and a friend. This program also consists of job shadowing, work on presentation and other business skills and group activities such as attending arts, sports and cultural events. Since 1996, we have had nearly 150 mentoring pairs involved in the program, building life-enhancing experiences for all involved.
An award-winning program, our mentoring teams continue to be recognized by organizations such as The Governor’s Committee for Scholastic Achievement, The School to Work Alliance and MENTOR/The Mentoring Partnership of New York for our outstanding work and dedication to the students. This year, our program was honored for the fourth consecutive year when Jamie Frieder, Associate, Brand Marketing, was selected as one of five 2008 Corporate Mentors of the Year by The Mentoring Partnership of New York. She was also chosen by MENTOR to be in a PSA promoting mentoring, aired on the CW network.
Since 1996, OppenheimerFunds has matched New York-based employees with students from high schools on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The program strives to broaden the mentees’ horizons and expose them to various cultural, business and social settings that they might not otherwise experience. OppenheimerFunds’ mentors provide guidance and friendship throughout the students’ high school years.