Opinion: Doorways helps kids in need

There has been a lot of talk lately about making the education system work for underprivileged children. A program in Pinellas County called Doorways is actually doing something about it.

Operated by the Pinellas County Education Foundation, Doorways doesn't look for easy answers or short-term commitments. It identifies lower-income children in grades 3 through 9 and promises them tuition to college in exchange for responsible behavior. The children promise to attend school regularly, maintain a C average or better and stay out of trouble and off drugs. As important, it requires a parental commitment -- parents or guardians must sign a contract that they will support the child's educational effort and attend workshops and other activities. Once the child graduates from high school, tuition to a Florida college or trade school is guaranteed through the state's prepaid tuition plan.

There is a key element to the program -- the mentor. An adult is assigned to most students to act as a role model, friend and confidant. The child and mentor meet at least for an hour each week and discuss problems in school or outside. "Doorways is an incredibly successful scholarship program, and what differentiates it from other programs is the role of the mentor," said Richard Engwall, vice president of the education foundation.

The Doorways program in St. Petersburg got a significant boost when Mayor Rick Baker convinced philanthropist (and part-time city resident) John Galbraith to participate. Galbraith promised $162,500 a year for the next three years, and when matched by the foundation and the state, the money will provide scholarships for 300 students. A retired executive from Franklin Templeton mutual fund company, Galbraith knows a bargain when he sees it. Doorways invests in individuals and in society, he noted, and "you probably can't get a better investment than that."

Attention to detail works. Doorways has a 94 percent graduation rate for participants. It helps 2,200 students but could serve many more. Doorways has a continuing need for donations and mentors. Anyone interested in investing in a young person's future should contact the Pinellas County Education Foundation at (727) 588-4816; more information is available on the Internet at www.pinellaseducation.org.

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