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Mentoring

Make a difference in the life of a student.

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Why Be a Mentor?

Mentoring at any age, but especially in middle and high school, has the power to change students’ trajectories. Individualized support with a trusted, caring adult can help students navigate academic, social, and personal challenges —putting them on a path to succeed.

Research from The Mentoring Center shows that youth participating in mentoring relationships:

  • Experience positive academic outcomes, including better attendance, better attitudes toward school, and increased likelihood of pursuing post-secondary opportunities.
  • Are less likely to engage in negative behaviors, such as initiating alcohol and drug use.
  • Have more positive social attitudes and relationships.

My experience as a mentor has been amazing. Initially, my student and I took a little bit of time to get to know each other, but once we built some rapport and established a consistent schedule we were able to enjoy some more experiences together.

Sam D.

I like talking to my mentor because she listens, and she thinks I’m funny. Nobody else really does that.

Miguel H.

I dove into mentoring, thinking that I was going to be the one who would be making a difference. I soon learned that I had opened the door and had a new person in my life who would not only expand my horizons but make me laugh and with whom sharing a weekly lunch is the highlight of my week.

Brenda B.

My experience as a mentor has been amazing. Initially, my student and I took a little bit of time to get to know each other, but once we built some rapport and established a consistent schedule we were able to enjoy some more experiences together.

Sam D.

I like talking to my mentor because she listens, and she thinks I’m funny. Nobody else really does that.

Miguel H.

I dove into mentoring, thinking that I was going to be the one who would be making a difference. I soon learned that I had opened the door and had a new person in my life who would not only expand my horizons but make me laugh and with whom sharing a weekly lunch is the highlight of my week.

Brenda B.

My experience as a mentor has been amazing. Initially, my student and I took a little bit of time to get to know each other, but once we built some rapport and established a consistent schedule we were able to enjoy some more experiences together.

Sam D.

I like talking to my mentor because she listens, and she thinks I’m funny. Nobody else really does that.

Miguel H.

I dove into mentoring, thinking that I was going to be the one who would be making a difference. I soon learned that I had opened the door and had a new person in my life who would not only expand my horizons but make me laugh and with whom sharing a weekly lunch is the highlight of my week.

Brenda B.

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Interested in becoming a Mentor?

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Mentor Impact on Students

Volunteers meet weekly, one-on-one with students to build relationships and serve as positive role models.

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Participating Campuses

APIE Mentors are placed at most Austin ISD middle or high schools. To learn more about these schools, visit www.austinisd.org/schools.

AISD High Schools

AISD Middle Schools

Support Mentoring

APIE mentors provide guidance and support to students, putting them on a path to succeed in school and beyond. Your gift helps us get more caring Austinites volunteering in schools as mentors by supporting our outreach and volunteer training.
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Stay in touch with APIE

Austin Partners in Education

P.O. Box 17402 Austin, TX 78760
P: 512-637-0900 | F: 512-414-3116

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Announcement: Leadership Transition

Isadora Day Named Interim Executive Director Following Dr. Cathy Jones Departure

June 25, 2025 – Austin Partners in Education (APIE) has announced a leadership transition following the departure of longtime Executive Director Dr. Cathy Jones, who will begin a new role as CEO of UP Partnership, a nonprofit serving young people across Bexar County. After 13 years of dedicated service to APIE and Austin ISD, Dr. Jones leaves behind a strong legacy of community collaboration, student-centered innovation, and organizational growth.

With Cathy’s departure, the APIE Board of Directors has appointed Isadora Day as Interim Executive Director, effective July 14, 2025. Day most recently served as Director of Programs at APIE, where she has led high-impact initiatives in college readiness, mentoring, and math intervention for Austin ISD students…

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