Dobbins Airman serves Atlanta community, mentors KIPP WAYS youth

  • Published
  • By James Branch
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Integrity, service and excellence encompass the Air Force core values. While transitioning from active duty into the Air Force Reserve, Staff Sgt. Alexander Blench, 80th Aerial Port Squadron air transportation specialist, found a way to continue serving the community from February through May, by becoming a classroom volunteer at KIPP WAYS Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.

KIPP WAYS Academy is a free, public charter school that grants admission to students in the Atlanta Public Schools District, regardless of their prior academic records, conduct or social-economic background.

“I was looking to volunteer my time for a worthwhile cause while I was in between careers,” said Blench. “I came across some information about KIPP, and their mission to break the cycle of poverty that inner city kids so frequently fall into. I wanted to do whatever I could to help.”

Blench reached out to the Gabrielle Newton, KIPP parents relationship and school branding director, and asked how he could get involved.

“What’s special about Alex [Blench] is that he sought us out, we did not seek him,” said Newton. “He’s been one of our best volunteers so far.”

Newton directed Blench to the the school’s literacy department. The staff linked him up with kindergarteners and first graders in need of academic help. With a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, it was fitting that he assist students with grammar and mathematics.

“I really enjoyed interacting with the students,” said Blench. “It had a real ‘boots on the ground’ feel of making a difference. Many of these kids were born into hard situations through no fault of their own. Knowing that I could potentially be helping these kids go to college, or even just stay out of bad situations, was very rewarding.”

Upon enrollment, parents are asked to sign a Commitment to Excellence, outlining the requirements from the student and the instructor. From day one, KIPP strives to instill a common goal among its students, college graduation.

“One might say that kindergarten and first grade is a little early to plan for college,” said Newton. “You would be surprised of the impact it makes on children by instilling goals in them at a young age. We take our students on college tours during the school year.”

According to the school’s website as of fall 2015, 44 percent of KIPP students have earned a four-year college degree after finishing eighth grade at KIPP middle school 10 or more years ago.

“KIPP charter schools receive no federal funding,” said Newton. “We rely on donations, grants and volunteers such as Alex.”

During his four-month tenure, volunteering two hours a day, four days a week, Blench was able to successfully get four students who were performing below average to their required academic level by working with them one-on-one. He has many fond memories of his time spent with KIPP students.

“One of my most memorable moments is playing a sight word game with two students, Rodarius and Ja’Lea,” said Blench. “Rodarius was having trouble with some of the words, so Ja’Lea would wait to give her answers, knowing by helping him, she would lose the game. When I stepped out of the room, Ja’Lea would quiz Rodarius on the remaining cards so that he would do better when we continued the game. This is one of the most mature things I’ve ever seen.”

With recently accepting a job as a Delta Air Lines engineering project manager, Blench is no longer able to volunteer at KIPP on a regular basis, but encourages Airmen to volunteer and serve their communities.

“Hopefully, I can serve as a force multiplier,” said Blench. “No matter your area of expertise, athletics, english, technology, science or art, our youth can always benefit from you serving as a mentor.”