(WSBT) Classes begin in South Bend Tuesday with a major push to keep students on track.

The district is trying to recruit 6,000 adult mentors; one for each elementary school student.

Three weeks after launching the effort, school officials say they're satisfied with the response, but are searching for more.

One hundred were ready to go when school began Tuesday. And in the last three weeks, another 200 have applied. That’s far from 6,000, but school officials say they're well on their way.

For big city schools, keeping students in class has been a battle for decades. Last year, nearly 31 percent of high school students in South Bend left without a diploma.

"I can see it turning around so many things,” program director Christine Pochert said of this year's effort.

This year, administrators are turning to you and me to cut down on dropouts and boost grades.

"We've sent out information to over 200,” Pochert said.

6,000 mentors — to spend one hour a week — with one student.

Leaders admit it's ambitious, but insist it's doable.

And three weeks later, they've heard from more than 300.

"We have 100 ready to go and school starts tomorrow so as soon as school gets in, I'll be calling schools,” Ponchert told WSBT.

Monday higher education joined in, teaming up to organize mentors from Notre Dame and IU South Bend.

"We're very excited about having the opportunity to mentor, I mean that's what education's all about,” said Karen White of IUSB.

Education experts say mentoring programs have a proven track record.

"We're asking for an hour a week to impact the life of a child forever,” Ponchert said. “It's a nice payback.”

If you're interested in donating an hour of your time each week, call the South Bend School Corporation.