IGB EDUCATION
"Decisions determine Direction, direction determines Destiny!"
What We Do
IGB Mentoring / IGB SAFEGUARD
Our flagship program at Eastside High School and Oak View Middle School provides students with:
- ✅ One-on-one mentorship and small group guidance that builds trust and accountability
- 🛡️ Gun violence prevention programming (IGB SAFEGUARD) focused on conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and decision-making skills
- 🚀 Leadership development through engaging activities, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning
- 🚌 Educational field trips to cultural and career-building destinations
- 💬 Supportive community that fosters confidence, positive peer relationships, and goal-setting
IGB Enrichment Program
Designed to strengthen life skills beyond the classroom, our enrichment program provides:
- 💰 Financial literacy through budgeting, saving, and money management skills
- 🧠 Critical thinking & decision-making through real-world scenarios and problem-solving activities
- 🎤 Communication & emotional wellness focused on self-expression, confidence, and relationship-building
- 🤝 Community connections through partnerships with the City of Gainesville, AIM (Aces in Motion), the YMCA, and more
- 🚀 Personal development through goal-setting, resilience-building, and positive peer engagement
IGB Summer Enrichment Camp
Our summer curriculum helps students stay active, engaged, and growing with a focus on:
- 🧩 Critical thinking & problem-solving through STEM challenges, design projects, and real-world activities
- 🎤 Communication skills developed through teamwork, presentations, and confidence-building exercises
- 🎨 Creative & social activities that spark imagination and build collaboration
- 🚌 Weekly educational field trips to museums, parks, and cultural destinations
- 💛 Life skills development including financial literacy, emotional wellness, and physical activity
Expanding Opportunities
Thanks to support from the Children's Trust of Alachua County, we offer additional experiences that inspire and empower:
- 🎤 Motivational speakers who encourage personal growth
- 🌳 Outdoor activities that promote health and teamwork
- 🎯 Leadership events focused on goal-setting and achievement
- 💌 Mentorship connections and updates through our community newsletter
About IGB
About IGB Mentoring
Since 2007, IGB (I Gotcha Back) Education has been dedicated to empowering youth and transforming lives in Alachua County through mentorship, education, and leadership development. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we strive to bridge educational gaps and equip students with the skills they need to thrive academically and personally. Our programs are designed to close the educational achievement gap and inspire long-term success.
Our Mission
At IGB Mentoring, our mission is to inspire and uplift young minds by providing mentorship, educational enrichment, and community-driven support. We believe that every child deserves access to knowledge, guidance, and opportunities that help them reach their full potential.
Our Core Values
- ✓Education First: We emphasize the power of learning and literacy to create brighter futures.
- ✓Mentorship & Leadership: We believe in the importance of strong role models and leadership development.
- ✓Community Engagement: We leverage partnerships to foster a culture of learning and empowerment.
- ✓Holistic Development: We focus on financial literacy, communication, emotional wellness, and critical thinking — essential skills for success.
Looking Ahead
Alachua County ranks among the lowest in the state for literacy rates, and we are committed to changing that reality. Through mentorship, enrichment, future charter school programs, and the summer enrichment camp, we aim to inspire academic excellence, encourage lifelong learning, and create lasting opportunities for the youth in our community.
Join us in our mission to empower the next generation — because when we uplift our youth, we strengthen our future!
Dream Higher, Expect Greater, and Accomplish More.
IGB Program Overview / Mentor Recruiting Videos
Testimonial
What Students Are Saying
- • "It helped me feel safe, understood, and not alone."
- • "I've learned how to communicate better and be more confident."
- • "I joined to work on myself — and it really helped."
- • "This program made me a better person."
- • "I needed someone to talk to, and this gave me that support."
Frequently Asked Questions
Mentoring: Available through a referral from the school your child attends.
Enrichment Program: We are currently partnered with local community centers and afterschool programs. If you are interested in our service, please contact the afterschool program your child attends and request IGB Enrichment Services.
Summer Camp: Sign up now!
Mentoring: Available at no cost to the participant — made possible by funding from the Children's Trust of Alachua County and support from local donations.
Enrichment: Available at no cost to the participant — made possible by funding from the Children's Trust of Alachua County and support from local donations.
Summer: $175 per week. Scholarships are available for qualifying children through funding from the Children's Trust of Alachua County. Limited spots available for scholarships.
Mentoring: 5th grade through 12th grade
Enrichment: Kindergarten through 12th grade
Summer Program: Rising Kindergarteners through 6th grade