Atlanta special needs-school, Cumberland Academy of Georgia, has launched a brand-new after-school mentoring program for its students in conjunction with Pace Academy, a private K-12 college preparatory school in Atlanta.

High school student volunteers from Pace Academy will be providing weekly tutoring and mentoring to Cumberland’s students, who may have autism, Asperger’s syndrome, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or other learning differences. The goal of the mentoring program is not only to provide academic help to Cumberland students, but also to foster strong relationships between the schools, children, and the local community.

“Cumberland is always adding innovative programs to the Cumberland school experience,” says Debbi Scarborough, founding director at Cumberland Academy of Georgia. “In conjunction with enhancing the academic strengths of each student, Cumberland also enhances social growth and development. This program will develop friendships among students who may never have had contact with one another, and re-enforces academics for continued growth.”