From left are Erika Mayberry, Chautauqua Striders mentoring and advocacy coordinator; Lexi Lindamer, Striders athletics coordinator; Anna Gassman, Striders education director; Jen Swan-Leuze, Striders executive director; Max Eimiller, Striders board chairman; and Marian Beckerink, Rotary Club of Jamestown president.

The Rotary Club of Jamestown welcomed the staff of the Chautauqua Striders organization, under the direction of Jennifer Swan-Leuze, for an in-depth look at the.

Striders offers programs that incorporate its mission to “mentor and guide youth through education, advocacy, and athletics.” The goal of the organization is to help youth graduate high school inspired with knowledge, skill and confidence required for successful college and career experiences. Chautauqua Striders provides in-person and on-line tutoring, enrichment activities, and workshops for youth in kindergarten through 12th grades. Tutoring is available in both the north and south county.

The organization served more than 1,500 children in 2024 with 70 mentors, three coordinators and 12 staff. The academic program includes On-Track Tutoring; SAT and Regents preparation; SAFARI tutoring; after-school programs; Boys and Girls Club tutoring; and the Summer STEAM Camp.

The mentoring program includes: community-based; school-based; project-based; and peer-based tutoring.

The social-emotional learning program includes small group and 1-on-1 programs; and social and emotional programs implemented in Jamestown Schools.

The athletics program includes Youth Track and Field Development Program; Track Club; Athletic Club/Races; Girls on the Run; and after-school programs.

Each of the programs was explained in detail by Erika Mayberry, Chautauqua Striders mentoring and advocacy coordinator; Lexi Lindamer, Striders athletics coordinator; Anna Gassman, Striders education director. They were also accompanied by Kathy Benson, finance and human resources director; Kaitlyn Bowen-Burns, communications and development director; and Jen Swan-Leuze, executive director.

For more information visit www.chqstriders.org.