Mission or Objective:
The goal is to match positive, caring adult volunteers with student in a one-on-one supportive, attentive relationships. The program gives students the opportunity to succeed and to build their self-confidence. In addition, it gives adults the opportunity to share their time and energy with a young person who needs some extra attention.  Both the student and adult benefit in ways that are satisfying.

Overview:
Students are identified as needing a mentor by staff and parents.  Mentors are utilized for pre-kindergarten through high school ages.  Recruited volunteers choose the age group and school building in which they would like to mentor.  Each mentor attends an orientation session, completes a routine background check, and then is assigned a student or students.

Mentors meet with a student (pre-kindergarten through 6th grade) who could benefit from a caring, positive adult for 30 minutes once each week.  Many mentors will work with two students, spending a full hour at the school building.  Mentors at the junior high, senior high, and alternative school spend a class period with each student that lasts around 45 minutes.  A few mentors are utilized to work in classrooms.  Mentors meet during or after the school day on school property only.

Mentors spend quality one-on-one time with the students, act as role models and help students with their studies.  Teachers provide activities for the mentor session.

Volunteers Needed: There are over 200 who have signed up to work one-on-one with students or in classrooms.  There are always children on the waiting list who need a mentor.  The requirements for becoming a mentor are simply the desire to help a child coupled with patience, positive attitude, and a belief that all children can succeed.  Fees: No charge.  Limitations: Mentors need to be dependable. The program runs during the entire school year. Many mentors may be gone for vacation or other reasons, but stay consistent in keeping in contact with the student(s) they mentor and communicating with school staff when they will be gone.

Revised Date: 5/05/08