S. 375 — Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act

This section establishes the Transition-to-Success Mentoring Program under part D of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6421 et seq.). The Secretary of Education shall award grants to eligible entities to establish, expand, or support school-based mentoring programs that assign a success coach to each eligible student in all middle schools served by the entity to assist with the transition to high school. Success coaches must (1) create an individualized plan for success with input from the student, mentor, school staff, and parents that includes academic, personal, college, and career goals; (2) enter a signed agreement with parents; (3) meet monthly with the student to support goal achievement, academic improvement, resource connections, transition support, and behavior management if needed; and (4) meet at least quarterly with the student, parents, teachers, or counselors to evaluate progress and set or revise goals. In awarding grants, the Secretary must prioritize entities serving high-poverty, high-crime, rural, or high-violence areas; offering postsecondary and career preparation such as job training, internships, and college visits through private-sector partnerships; providing at least one academic year of mentoring; and engaging children in program design. Grant recipients may also use funds for success coach training on topics including trauma-informed practices, adverse childhood experiences, cultural competency, and disability inclusion; coach recruitment and compensation; staff hiring; youth engagement activities such as field trips, career visits, and college application assistance; and program evaluation. Grants are for a period of not more than 5 years.