Youth – Donnie Rhett Koonce

Donnie Rhett Koonce is an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow, and also a member of several prestigious, minority-led organizations. Donnie Rhett Koonce has previously been involved with the Minority Association of Premedical Students and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

The NSBE was established with the mission of increasing diversity within the field of engineering. In addition to providing career support and mentorship, the NSBE also organizes the nationwide youth STEM program called Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK).

The 3-week program introduces third to fifth graders to scientific and technology concepts through engaging, hands-on experiments and activities. The program also serves as an introduction to the NSBE youth chapters, NSBE Jr. Since 2007, more than 20,000 children have benefitted from SEEK’s programming.

In order to reach the most children in need, SEEK is offered at no cost. Due to the recent public health crisis, NSBE launched the SEEK program completely online for the first time in the program’s history. The organization also created a complementary, 150-page workbook and lesson plan that parents and educators can access at any time.

While pursuing his masters in biomedical science, ophthalmic technician Donnie Rhett Koonce provided pro-bono glaucoma screening for underserved individuals. Donnie Rhett Koonce also has an interest in mentoring youth and young adults of color.

Peer and leadership mentoring counteracts many of the disadvantages that disproportionately impact boys and men from minority backgrounds. For example, Latino, Black, and Indigenous youth are much less likely to have positive, non-relative role models.

Having a connection to caring adults brings significant benefits, including increased access to employment opportunities and a higher likelihood of completing high school and enrolling in university.

Mentorship is also effective for redirecting at-risk youth onto more positive pathways. Guidance and attention from an adult role model have been shown to improve a child’s self-esteem and reduce instances of negative behaviors.

Mentees perform better in school and report more harmonious relationships with their families. Vulnerable youth who spend quality time with mentors are also more likely to take on leadership positions and become mentors themselves later in life.

Category: Youth

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