Question 1

Why is mentoring important?

Accepted Answer

We make youth feel important and capable.
We provide positive role models.
We help young people face daily challenges.
We support students in achieving their goals.
We encourage students to stay motivated and focussed.

Question 2

What is mentoring?

Accepted Answer

An ongoing relationship with a student that can last from elementary school through high school.
Meeting one-on-one with a student for up to one hour per week.
Meeting in school or on schoool grounds during the school day.

Question 3

Who are our mentors?

Accepted Answer

Caring adults who volunteer up to one hour a week to spend with a child.
Men and women, retirees, bankers, artists, doctors, police officers, homemakers-just regular folks.
Willing listeners who are patient, flexible, encouraging and supportive.
It doesn’t take a particular kind of person to be a mentor-just a kind person.

Question 4

Who are the students we mentor?

Accepted Answer

Some are looking for new perspectives and approaches to help them make choices.
Many want to develop their ability to make decisions and move beyond obstacles they encounter.
They are just regular kids dealing with the challenges of growing up.

Question 5

What happens once an application is submitted?

Accepted Answer

Careful screening through federal and state criminal background checks.
Interview with program coordinators.
Training in general procedures of the mentoring program, the role of a mentor, issues of confidentiality, appropriate activities for various developmental levels of children, strategies for communication, school policies and procedures.
 Advanced training offering opportunities throughout the year on current topics of interest/importance.

Question 6

How are mentors matched with their mentees?

Accepted Answer

Students are referred by teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, parents or at the high school, self-referral.
Discussions take place between staff and student regarding participation.
Staff has telephone discussion with parent obtaining verbal permission.
Formal letter sent to parent inviting student to participate with written permission slip to be signed.
Initial match observed for 4 to 6 weeks.
If initial match positive, continue throughout the school year and beyond.

Question 7

What do mentors do?

Accepted Answer

Show up and be reliable, dependable adults.
Enjoy the time they spend with their students.
Make a minimum one-year commitment to the relationship with their student.
Play games or sports (indoors or out), do arts and crafts, read, do computer projects, just talk and listen-whatever the pair decides to do together each week​.

Question 8

What on-going support does the program offer to mentors?

Accepted Answer

Regular updates through mentor review meetings with coordinator, other mentors and school staff.
System provided for scheduling / coordinating meetings
Supervision by school / program staff.
Information provided about appropriate activities for each child.
Provided a broad variety of resources & materials in the school setting.
Periodic workshops provided on various related topics.
Group activities offered throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions