{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"You Can Mentor: A Christian Youth Mentoring Podcast","title":"256. Mentoring in Public Schools with John Shearer of Academy 4","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/d9edcb65\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3289,"description":"In this episode of the You Can Mentor Podcast, Zachary Garza interviews John Shearer, leader of Academy 4, a nonprofit mentoring over 4,200 fourth graders annually by partnering with local churches to build sustainable relationships with schools and families. John shares how his cancer journey led him to nonprofit work and highlights Academy Four’s programs, which equip children with leadership skills and foster community engagement. With a focus on love, service, and long-term commitment, the episode explores how mentoring transforms both children and volunteers, demonstrating the power of intentional relationships to create lasting change. https://academy4.org/\n--\nKey Points\nAcademy Four's programs include Spark Clubs and mentoring sessions.\nThe mentoring program helps children develop leadership skills.\nParents play a crucial role in their children's education and development.\nAcademy Four aims to equip parents through community programs.\nThe organization has a waiting list of schools wanting to join.\nJohn believes in the power of community involvement for positive change. Sustainability is key for community partnerships.\nLong-term commitment leads to deeper impact.\nMentoring is about building relationships, not just numbers.\nVolunteers often receive more than they give.\nLove and service can transform communities.\nEvery child deserves to feel known and cared for.\nEffective mentoring requires intentionality and structure.\nCommunity engagement can break down barriers.\nRelationships are reciprocal; both mentors and mentees benefit.\nThe mission is to love and serve, not to fix.\n--\nChapters\n00:00 Introduction to Academy Four and John Shearer\n05:07 John's Journey to Academy Four\n09:56 The Mission and Programs of Academy Four\n15:07 Building Relationships with Churches and Schools\n24:55 Building Sustainable Community Partnerships\n29:54 Long-Term Commitment to Schools\n35:57 The Power of Love and Service\n41:48 Transformative Relationships in Mentoring\n47:52 Community...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/1Xka3zDiBlBt17bxGFKaPNKtfL4x0Qw6Yce8LqvHcjw/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wMTU4/YTYzZjc5Y2M5NjY4/MTFkZmY0NjExMzM2/Njc1MC5qcGVn.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}