Making a difference – CAP mentor program celebrates 25th year in Bozeman

This year, CAP celebrates its 25th year in Bozeman. During that time, more than 9,000 children have spent over 150,000 hours in the program, which matches adult volunteers with students in grades K-12.

Thrive, a Bozeman nonprofit that focuses on healthy child growth and development, estimates that one in 10 students in the Bozeman Public Schools have had a CAP mentor. In 2012, CAP expanded to Big Sky.

There are currently between 500 and 600 students in the Bozeman and Big Sky programs, said Lauren Scull, CAP coordinator at Bozeman High School.

Kids of all ages are paired with adult mentors through the program. They spend one hour each week together, working on homework, playing games or just talking.

"Over time, you just keep spending time together and it doesn’t matter what we do. It’s more about the relationship," Knick said.

"I see her as a friend," VanderWende said.

ERIN SCHATTAUER, Chronicle Staff Writer

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