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One of the most rewarding ways �ֲ���ý��� students can give back to the larger �ֲ���ý��� community is by mentoring K-8 students at local schools. But getting quickly to and from the school sites around town can be challenging. 

That’s where Peoplerides comes in. A service of Region 6 Resource Partners,  is the public transit provider for a four-county area and typically provides transportation for individual riders by reservation. However, the Peoplerides staff were open to working with the College to offer regular pick-ups and drop-offs for �ֲ���ý��� students mentoring in the schools.

LINKing Up

Almost two dozen �ֲ���ý��� students are currently matched with younger students through , a local program that trains, matches, and monitors these mentoring pairs. Formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters, LINK Mentoring offers youth close relationships with a compassionate adult.

“The mentors are there to care and support them, while having fun at the same time,” explains Sandy Motta, a LINK mentor coordinator. “They’re sharing lunch, playing games, laughing, talking together, and over time, a meaningful relationship can develop.” 

For �ֲ���ý��� students, it’s a wonderful way to get off campus and enjoy some time with kids. “It’s super rewarding!” says Lucy Leither ’25, a LINK student mentor. “I love seeing my buddy’s growth throughout our time together and feeling our connection grow stronger each week.” 

She adds, “We’ve built up a good relationship, making lots of memories through conversations, crafts, and storytelling. It’s so fun to see how my buddy’s excitement and learning for school has blossomed, especially this year — she loves to catch me up on her reading progress and all the new things they’re talking about in school. She also loves crafts, which is awesome because so do I. Almost every session we each end up making a craft for the other person to keep.”

Win-Win-Win

Mark Newberg, transit manager for Peoplerides, says he’s happy his organization can be part of such a worthwhile project. “It’s important to us that the students get to where they need to go,” he says. “I believe in the LINK Mentoring program mainly because I think our young people need to have role models.” 

The partnership including �ֲ���ý���, LINK Mentoring, and Peoplerides is a positive for everyone involved, says Susan Sanning, associate dean and executive director of civic education and innovation in the at the College. “This three-way collaboration has been a phenomenal success,” Sanning says. “The College and elementary students’ sense of community is expanded, and Peoplerides is able to extend its services.” 

Sanning says the College provides funding through the civic education and innovation program to support the transit service for students, while Motta and others at LINK coordinate the scheduling.  

Sanning calls Peoplerides “a partner that I could only dream of.” The drivers’ flexibility and friendly outlook make the ride an upbeat experience for students. Leither agrees. “Our five-minute ride to Bailey Park and back always brightens my day by getting the chance to chat with the drivers.”

She adds, “It’s nice to be able to catch a ride, especially during the winter when I don’t have the extra time between classes to warm up my car and scrape off the ice, and it definitely beats walking in the cold!” she says.

Looking Forward

Newberg says he appreciates how the three organizations have worked together to solve problems and negotiate a system that benefits everyone involved. �ֲ���ý��� students can fit in a visit to their mentee, even on a busy day, and Peoplerides gets more riders. “I’m really glad that this program’s working,” he says. “I would love to see Region Six and Peoplerides providing more rides for the College and for the students.”

Motta says that reliable transportation is a tremendous advantage for the LINK Mentoring program. “As we move forward, it’s going to benefit us in the recruiting of mentors. We’re all very appreciative of the partnership. So far, it’s just been very positive.” 

About LINK Mentoring

The LINK Mentoring program pairs carefully screened adults with elementary-aged students. The pairs meet weekly over the lunch hour during the school year. Together, they eat lunch, play games, and develop a friendship. LINK believes every child can benefit from having an additional positive role model in their life. If you are interested in signing your child up for this free program, or are interested in being a mentor, visit the .

About Peoplerides 

The Peoplerides public transit service provides convenient, low-cost public transportation for trips that either originate or end in Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek, and Tama counties. Trips can be for work, medical appointments, shopping, education, social, and other transportation needs. Learn more about on its website.