This is an interview with Jason Kent, the Dean of Scholars at Catalyst Circle Rock

How did this program get started?

It came to me to bring a program to Catalyst that would help with self-discipline, structure, and building inner character.  I first talked with the Sheriff’s office about a potential partnership, Sheriff Tom Dart said, “That’s a great idea, let’s do it.”  Over a series of meetings, we mapped out the partnership and started putting the program together.  The purpose of the program is to sufficiently support scholars to reach their full potential.

What happens week to week?

Every week, 6-7 Sheriffs come to Catalyst Circle Rock and spend several hours here. They visit classrooms, speak with scholars one-on-one, and work with students in small groups.  The Sheriffs work hard to develop good relationships with all students. The partnership with the Sheriff’s Office is now in its second year, and we are well positioned to strengthen it and to grow the opportunities for students in the future.

Why do you do what you do?

It’s a deep calling.  I do what God made me do.  I’m in sports, and my mother told me “I don’t care what you do, but you’re going to work with kids.”  There’s a lack of programs for kids; now that I’ve been in education for a while, I feel compelled to do something special for kids. My Grandfather, Clarence Lumpkin, was a role model for me when he did great things with kids in Columbus, Ohio.  We have an obligation to bring about change.