LOS ANGELES — Students with poor grades, who are chronically absent or who simply need emotional support will be matched with mentors from the community under a new Los Angeles Unified program announced Friday. Everyone Mentors LA is designed to help students receive the social and academic support they need to graduate.

“If every student had a mentor, coach or advocate, they would succeed,” LAUSD Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said in a statement. “Time and time again, research demonstrates the positive benefits a mentor can have on students.”

The school district said mentors are positive adult role models who can benefit students by listening and offering encouragement. Through the program, LAUSD hopes students will be able to improve their grades, test scores and self-esteem while decreasing the likelihood they will use drugs and alcohol.

The district has identified more than 27,000 students who it says can benefit from mentorships. LAUSD has partnered with 11 social welfare groups for Everyone Mentors LA, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Good City Mentors, Brotherhood Crusade, Girls Inc., the Social Justice Learning Institute and the LA Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Business leaders have much to offer,and mentorship is one small way to positively impact a student’s life,” LA Area Chamber President Maria S. Salinas said in a statement announcing its participation in the program.

The program is currently seeking volunteers through an interest form.