Gonzales High School alumni launch mentorship program

GONZALES, Calif. (KION) Magaly Santos will be a senior at Gonzales High School this year. Over the summer she enrolled in a mentorship program called "We Connect."

"They're very encouraging. It's awesome to see that alumni are coming back," said Santos.

The program pairs alumni from Gonzales and Soledad high schools with 9-12th grade students.

Santos was looking for advice on applying to colleges and has been able to meet with her two mentors online over the past few weeks.

"They have rooted a seed in me. Cindi goes to UC-Berkeley. I want to go to UC-Berkeley now, too," said Santos.

"We Connect" was started by Gonzales High School alumni, Fabiola Moreno and Cindi Aguilar-Castaneda. They came home in March because of the pandemic and wanted to give back while they have a little extra time on their hands.

"Freshman, sophomores, juniors or seniors are able to reach out to any alumni they would like. They can ask us about careers, colleges, the application process," said Moreno.

While schools stayed closed, mentors are staying in close touch with their mentees. "It's a network they can tap into to find little pieces of experiences so they won't feel so isolated, confused or lonely," said Aguilar-Castaneda.

The program is free. Mentors and mentees can learn more about "We Connect" on Facebook.