The principals behind Sandys 360 has issued an Island-wide appeal for male mentors for 37 young men who graduated from Sandys Middle School this year.Over the past two years the group, in partnership with Sandys Middle School and Lancashire Insurance Company, participated in the pilot programme.Now that they are moving on to senior school next month, plans are underway to ensure that “they all reach their aim for a college level education”.Managing director of Sandys 360, Dr Melvyn Bassett, said the group will be monitored right through to the age of 21.The only criterium, he said, is for potential mentors to be over the age of 21.“If they’re seniors and could relate to young people they’re welcome as well,” said Dr Bassett.“All that’s required is a minimum of three to six hours a month, which is not much to ask for in relation to trying to save our young men.“We’re urging Bermuda’s male community to support rather than fight to save our young men.”He noted that Lancashire Insurance “is still giving financial support after making a significant financial contribution” when the initiative was launched in 2011.“This is an opportunity to really encourage our youth in response to concerns expressed by the Mincy Report,” said Dr Bassett.“We have to do our very best to try and support our young men and all of our youth, but our young men in particular.”A longitudinal study will be conducted with the support of Bermuda College to document the seven-year journey of this group from Middle School to college.Hopefully, he said the report will show how this programme “can be replicated to help others moving forward”.When asked for the most memorable progress noted to date, he replied: “Just observing their maturity over the years and their response to team efforts and the time put in.”The team is headed up by Beverley Daniels, the education director at Sandys 360, with Calvin Ming Sr also charged with this project.Dr Bassett said: “We have to make every effort to ensure the success of these young men, based on concerns in the Mincy Report. Ultimately we must give them a hand up to take their place in community.” For more information e-mail info@sandys360.bm or call 234-6195.