Educational Opportunities for Youth

Lara Nichols and the Miracle-Gro Capital Scholars Experience

"My motto when working with the students has been, 'Teach a child HOW to think, not WHAT to think.' All they really need is someone to truly listen to them and offer guidance. Instead of telling them what they should do, I try to teach them by asking them questions that they answer for themselves. I believe that no matter what the circumstance that if you look hard enough, you can find something good about it and I try to impart that to the teens as well.

"I am truly grateful that ScottsMiracle-Gro places such emphasis on supporting children from various backgrounds who make the effort to excel in sometimes unfortunate circumstances. This program allows Scotts associates to make a difference in people's lives above and beyond creating products that make their environment pleasant. The students learn to believe in themselves, in others, and that they really can achieve whatever their hearts desire as long as they put the action behind their dream to make it come true."

Lara Nichols, Ortho team, who is in her second year of mentoring with the Miracle-Gro Capital Scholars program.

Ohio Reads

Since 2002, ScottsMiracle-Gro associates provide weekly tutoring and mentoring for area elementary school students who need additional assistance in reading and math. Many of the volunteers establish long-term relationships with the students and return as mentors for successive school years.