At Bendix Academy, mentors are more than teachers—they’re the foundation of our mission to shape confident, capable, and resourceful young people. Through hands-on learning, our mentors equip students with technical skills while fostering problem-solving abilities and self-assurance that will serve them throughout life. One such mentor, Rodney Beckwith III, exemplifies this spirit of guidance and transformation.
Rodney has been a mentor at Bendix Academy for several years, and his passion for teaching has made him an invaluable member of our team. For Rodney, mentorship isn’t just about passing on technical know-how—it’s about preparing students for life.
“Serving as a mentor at Bendix gives me the opportunity to convey my life and career skills to young people. We are familiarizing them with many skills used both in the home and in professional trade positions.” ~Rodney Beckwith III
From carpentry to mechanics to electrical work, Rodney and other mentors help students build a foundation of practical knowledge that they can carry into their future careers—or use to become more self-reliant individuals. But the impact of mentorship extends far beyond the workshop. Rodney says one of the most rewarding aspects of his role is witnessing the growth in his students.
For many students, mastering these skills is transformative. It instills a belief in their own abilities and gives them a sense of accomplishment. Parents notice the difference, too, as their children mature and thrive through the program.
The rewards of mentorship extend to the mentors themselves.
“My payback in all of this? Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces as they learn new skills. I often say we do it for the smiles they display as they experience mechanical understanding of concepts they never knew existed. And, parents’ excitement in watching their child mature by experiencing Bendix’s toolmanship program.”
“Day after day here, I watch their confidence grow in so many ways. I witness the satisfaction they get with the hands-on problem solving our lessons provide.”
“The mentor is also gaining experiences and appreciation while providing these services for youth.”
“Being a part of Bendix Academy—training youth to become leaders for tomorrow—is very satisfying. It’s a privilege to contribute to the future.”
Rodney’s dedication to mentorship is rooted in a lifetime of service to youth. A scout leader for over 55 years, Rodney has seen firsthand how a little guidance can make a world of difference.
Rodney emphasizes that mentors don’t need to be experts in every subject—just individuals who are passionate about helping youth explore career possibilities and develop skills for life.
“Many youth just need a little help to see a beneficial career. Through our planned course materials, we give youth an experience in many areas of future occupation. We also model respect and the value of passing learned skills on to others.”
As Bendix Academy continues to grow, we are looking for new mentors who share Rodney’s commitment to making a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a seasoned tradesperson or simply someone with a passion for teaching and giving back to the community, we invite you to join us. If you have questions contact us at [email protected]. If already know that you would like to become a mentor, please submit the form below!
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Mentor’s Measure – Learn about or become a Mentor
