Employees mentor students who face barriers to their success

The volunteers are helping Saint Louis Public Schools students address topics ranging from class work to conflict resolution

Spire is partnering with Saint Louis Public Schools to provide mentoring for students at Sigel Elementary School. The mentoring effort, the Spire Men’s Program, pairs Spire employees with male students who face barriers to their success.

“Spire already had a relationship with Sigel Elementary through its annual backpack giveaway program,” said Sarah Heaney, Sigel academic instructional coach. “During the most recent giveaway, Spire employees asked if there were additional ways to support the students. The principal encouraged them to come talk to our males, and the program was birthed from there.” 

Six employees currently are serving as mentors. The each meet with two students twice a month for an hour. During that time, they discuss topics ranging from class work to conflict resolution. 

“As a company, when we see a need in our communities, we act,” said Rex Thompson, Spire employee engagement specialist, who coordinates the Spire Men’s Program and serves as a mentor. “The best way to help advance communities is through children, so we were happy to volunteer. So far, it’s been going really well.” 

Heaney hopes the program produces positive skills the students can carry well into the future. “We’re excited that our students have somebody they can talk to about different things that are going on at school and learn some coping and self-regulation skills that they can take back into their classrooms,” she said. 

Cedric Young, Spire field supervisor, said his goal as a mentor is to have a real impact. “Through this mentorship program, I want to put smiles on these guys’ faces and give them something to look forward to. If I can just reach one child, I think I'll be greatly satisfied.” 

Spire will launch the Spire Men’s Program at Patrick Henry Elementary later this year.

The project is part of the Spire Serves community engagement program, a strategic component of Spire’s corporate social responsibility efforts. Spire Serves includes employee volunteerism and donations to local organizations, enabling employees to use the strength of their collective energy to champion people and advance communities.