Positive Role Models! Heroes! Self-esteem boosters! BFF’s!

These are just a few ways to describe the APIE mentors who work with students throughout Austin ISD.

Unlike the classroom coaching programs at APIE, mentors serve in a non-academic volunteer role. They meet with students during their lunch period and engage in activities such as playing games, drawing, reading, and sharing stories, but primarily engage in conversation. By consistently spending time with these children and listening to them, they build trust and serve as a confidante, problem solver, and sounding board. Mentoring a student can help build self-esteem, increase the likelihood of a child completing school and pursuing post-secondary education, decrease destructive behaviors, and boost academic potential.

APIE mentors meet with their students once a week, usually for 30 minutes at lunch time, throughout the school year. Many of our mentors continue to work with their student as they progress through school; some relationships began as early as 2nd grade and continued through the student’s senior year of high school. In 2012-13, approximately 770 APIE mentors served students in 118 AISD elementary, middle, and high schools. All mentors receive a background check and training. So far in 2013-14, a record 970 volunteers have signed up to mentor through APIE!

School Connections Manager Dawn Lewis and Communication Interns Noah Schubert are working hard to produce a newsletter specifically for mentors. Look for this in the coming months for mentoring tips, best practices, and stories from your fellow mentors!