Student Mentoring

SJC BOXING MENTORING PROGRAM IS GOING GREAT! 

Carla Da Silva 
Mentoring Program Director

Carla, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, graduated from the Ministry of Education with a master’s degree in Management Systems with a major in Organization and Strategy Research. She also completed a Mentor Training program with the University of Minnesota. Upon relocating to the United States, she became Co-owner of the highly successful Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Southwest Florida and Co-founder/Manager of Camelot Goods. She began training with the SJC Boxing Club and enjoyed the camaraderie of its members and she appreciated its contributions toward helping area youth and started volunteering. When the SJC Mentoring Program began she was the obvious choice as Program Director and has done an outstanding job. She brings honesty, hard work, commitment, and creativity to her position as she strives to inspire and guide all those in the program.

During the regular school year, Middle School, and High School Students, between 12:30pm and 3:00pm Monday through Friday, come for a free lunch, mentoring and gym training. Professional Athletes from various sports and business leaders in the community come to give inspirational talks. Life lessons are learned – all at no charge. 

Students who cannot come during those hours are invited to train in the evening during our regular gym hours, Monday through Friday from 6pm until 8pm. Those families will receive, at no charge, free groceries thanks to our partnership with the Midwest Food Bank of Florida. To date 226 students from 57 different Lee County Schools have participated so far, with more than 30 high school graduates.