Youth Mentoring  |  Mentoring Opportunities  |  Individuals

Who are the Students?

Whether she is a high school student unable to decide what to do after graduation or a first grader acting out in his classroom because he does not know what is expected of him, many students in our schools can benefit from mentoring.  The task is not to fix a broken child but rather to support one who is in need of guidance. 
Think back to when you were a child and try to recall one or several adults who took the time to tell you what you needed to know and listen to you talk about those things that seemed so important. It may have been a teacher, family member or even the bus driver but if we are honest with ourselves we can all identify someone who said just the thing we needed to hear at a critical time in our lives.  Now imagine a scenario where there is no one to turn to, no one to talk to who truly cares.  Unfortunately too many students today are experiencing just such a void through no fault of their own.  It may be a lack of support from home or an inability to recognize the gifts they possess.   You may be the just the person to ignite the spark that changes a child’s life. 

Who are the Mentors?

Mentors can be just about anyone.  Mentors are men, women, young and seasoned.  Mentors are talkative, shy, creative and analytical.  Mentors are artists, managers, secretaries, bus drivers, teachers, administrators, professors, doctors, lawyers, and chefs.  Mentors are retirees and workaholics.  Mentors are you and your neighbors, me and mine.  Mentors are all of us who care.

Youth Mentoring

All of the students are referred by teachers, guidance counselors, principals, social workers, parents and others who recognize their potential. Often these students are brought to the attention of the school’s mentor coordinator because someone has noticed a decline in grades, change in attitude or behavior or increased absenteeism. In other cases, there may be a family situation that impacts their ability to concentrate in school such as an illness of a parent or caregiver, divorce or separation, death in the family or some other crisis. 

Sometimes a child is referred for mentoring because he or she needs guidance and support to make life choices such as applying for college or trade school, preparing for the workforce by learning interview techniques and office dynamics or learning how to communicate more effectively. A young lady may need help understanding how to interact with others. A young many may need a positive male role model to help him plan for his future. Younger children often benefit from having a caring adult read to them and play games.

School-based mentor coordinators screen potential mentees to ensure that the students who are selected for matching with a mentor have not been identified as having severe disciplinary problems or exhibiting antisocial behaviors. The parents of the students selected for this program must agree to have their children participate and sign a consent form before they are matched. The students also must agree to meet regularly with their assigned mentor.

Students who are selected for mentoring are considered at risk for failing or dropping out of school, engaging in destructive behaviors and falling through the cracks. However we prefer to see them as students who are at promise for achieving great things thanks to your decision to become their mentor.

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