The University of Toledo chapter of Brothers on the Rise is expanding its mentorship initiatives to a small group of younger students.

The organization, dedicated to helping African American and Latino male students at The University of Toledo succeed, will host seventh graders from a local charter school today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in UT’s Student Recreation Center.

Faculty, staff and students involved with Brothers on the Rise will discuss the importance of making good decisions and show students various perspectives on college life.

“We’re hoping to set a trend against the ‘school to prison pipeline’ through mentoring intervention,” said Dr. Willie McKether, associate dean of social sciences, associate professor of anthropology and president of the UT chapter of Brothers on the Rise.

The “school to prison pipeline” is a national trend where children with learning disabilities or histories of poverty, abuse or neglect transition directly from school into the juvenile or criminal justice systems.

Brothers on the Rise plans to formally adopt the school and offer mentorship to a larger group of young men.