|
For School Year 2009-2010
Click here to download a PDF version of this program flyer.
Everyone needs someone to look up to. Be a mentor and change a life! Mentors are caring community members who invest in the personal success of a student by helping them to build confidence and set goals for the future.
As a positive role model, mentors inspire their students to develop new interests and explore career possibilities. Mentors also learn about the issues facing young people today, and can develop a potentially lifelong friendship.
Youth who meet regularly with mentors are shown statistically to exhibit the following characteristics:
- Fewer absences from school
- Better attitudes towards school
- Less drug or alcohol use
- More confidence about school work
- Better chances of attending college
“My favorite thing about mentoring is the love you receive back.” - Elementary School Mentor
The majority of schools in Austin ISD have a school-based mentor program. These programs are facilitated by the Counselor, Parent Support Specialist or other AISD staff. Mentors can be matched with students from pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 and locations are available across Austin.
Before becoming a mentor, you will need to:
- Pass a Safe Schools background check.
- Attend a one hour mentor training.
Volunteer Commitment:
- Mentors are matched with one student for one academic year.
- Mentors meet once a week for 30-45 minutes at their student's school.
Ongoing Support:
- Monthly Newsletter with discussion tips, activities, and holiday notification.
- Development meetings to learn more about specific topics from experts.
- Support meetings to discuss experiences with mentors from across the district.
"I love our mentors and volunteers because they change the lives of children!" - School Counselor
Austin Partners in Education refers mentors to Best Practice programs that meet the following criteria:
- Mentor Contact has returned a signed Memorandum of Understanding.
- All mentors have an approved background check and have attended mentor training.
- All students have submitted a Parent Consent form.
- Mentors are assigned within two weeks of attending training.
- Mentor Contact provides regular communication and support to mentors.
"My mentor has helped me with doing what's right and making the right choices." - Student, Grade 2 |
