Youth Mentoring  |  Mentoring Opportunities  |  Individuals

Training

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor must attend a 2-hour training/orientation session. The purpose of this session is to familiarize the individual with the Broward County Schools Mentoring Program and describe the requirements for becoming a mentor.

The mentoring orientation provides an opportunity for interested individuals to learn about the mentoring process in Broward County Schools.  Specifically you will:

• Complete all the necessary mentor applications and security background information.
• Learn about the goals and objectives of the Youth Mentoring program.
• Obtain information about the role of the school coordinator and program staff.
• Discuss the challenges and rewards of mentoring.
• Have the opportunity to ask questions and choose a school for your mentor assignment.
• Share your experiences and concerns.

Initial Training Session
The initial training session serves as an overview of mentoring and provides potential mentors with the opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns and make an informed decision about becoming a mentor. If you need help determining the grade level or school you are interested in serving, the training facilitator will help you explore your options.  If on the other hand, you already know the school that you want to be assigned to, we will process your application to reflect your choice. Mentors must complete:

• Mentor Application
• Security Background Check Form
• VECHS Form
• Mentor Pledge

In addition, Mentors must be fingerprinted and pass a level II security background check before being allowed to interact one-on-one with students. All of the necessary forms can be downloaded, printed and completed at any time but they must be turned in at the completion of the training session. Fingerprinting is generally provided at no cost during regularly scheduled training sessions.

View the mentor training schedule and register to attend.

It generally takes 2-3 weeks from the time of the training to obtain clearance status and process the mentor application. Once this is completed, mentors will receive a clearance letter with the phone number and address of the school they selected and the name of the school’s mentor coordinator. A copy of this letter and mentor’s background information are a sent to the school coordinator. At no time will the mentor’s social security number or other identifying information be shared with others. The mentor coordinator will contact the mentor and arrange a date and time for the mentor to visit the school, meet the student and schedule regular mentoring sessions.

On-Going Training
Several times during the school year, mentors will be invited to attend targeted mentor training workshops offered to assist mentors in interacting with the students and addressing specific issues. Examples of workshop topics include:

• Avoiding Bullying Behaviors
• Preparing for High School Graduation and Beyond
• Effective Studying Techniques
• Developing Healthy Relationships
• The Mentoring Legacy

These sessions provide the opportunity for new and seasoned mentors to share ideas, challenges and strategies for successful mentoring. Postcards will be sent to all mentors with the session description, date, and location of the workshop.

On-Site Training
Organizations, businesses, clubs, and other groups are encouraged to contact the Youth Mentoring Office to discuss arranging a specialized on-site training session. Many schools also provide mentor training opportunities for groups of staff and volunteers on the school campus. 

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