KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- There's a new plan at Kalamazoo Schools to boost attendance by providing mentors to high school freshmen.

Alexia Jones is an eleventh grader at Kalamazoo Central, and one of those mentors. She says that freshman are targeted because the switch from middle school to high school can be stressful for them.As part of the mentoring program, Alexia helps those younger students with homework and studying, and also provides advice or simple encouragement. A grant of ten thousand dollars has enabled the school to create the attendance project.