Oklahoma Lawmakers Celebrate Success Of Mentor Program

A group of state and city lawmakers are celebrating the success of a mentoring initiative. The Entrepreneur Shadow Program is launching into its second year.

High school students in north Tulsa spend several hours a day during the week at a business or agency in the community.

It's an opportunity for students to learn about a business and start thinking about a future career. For the mentors, like Edith Hall, it's a way to give back.

"If I can get one person across the stage for graduation, then I feel like I've done my job," Hall said.

Student Auriana Dixon, said, "It makes me feel kinda special because she feels enough, I mean, she has enough feelings for me to do that."

Creators said the program is a response to the high unemployment rate among young African Americans. Their ultimate goal is to reduce gang violence and teen pregnancy.