The Ames YMCA is sponsoring a program to pair college males with middle school boys in order to form mentoring relationships throughout the community. In the Partners in Active Learning Support, formerly known as the Big Brother program, principals and teachers from several Ames schools locate troubled youth in their schools. The school personnel then refer these students to the Ames YMCA to be matched with an ISU student, and the kids will spend two hours a week with their college student partner. Shawn Hollenkamp, senior in child and family services, is the program head for PALS. “PALS pairs you up with troubled students who might not have a dad, and it gives you a feel of being their parent,” Hollenkamp said. The PALS program started two years ago with six members from Iowa State. Last year, the program expanded to 28 members, and it expects more students to join this year. “It gives you a great feeling knowing that you did well for a child,” Hollenkamp said. For more information about the PALS program, call 294-1432 or e-mail Hollenkamp at [email protected].