My Future, My Choice: Mentors help guide Overtown teens

MIAMI – In Miami's Overtown neighborhood, the median income for a family is just over $15,000. And while students attend some of the poorest performing schools statewide, only two out of 12 graduate out of high school. 

This is why South Florida CARES, a mentoring program, focuses on children from the neighborhood. The program is a branch of the decade-old national CARES mentoring movement.

Chanea Nelson, 10, said her mentor, Local 10 News' Constance Jones, taught her how to create patterns with crochet, a process involving a hook to interlock loops of yarn.  

On Wednesday, they held a ceremony at the Williams Park Community Center, 1717 NW 5th Ave. The children had an opportunity to present some of their best work. There was a small photography exhibit and sculptures made out of clay. 

Aside from the arts, the organization's 10-week after-school program also focuses on science, mathematics and technology -- including robotics. Two teens mesmerized children with their tiny robot. 

For more information, click here to submit your questions or click here to join the team of mentors.