What is the Student Mentoring Program?

Student mentoring is often defined as a one-to-one relationship between a youth and an adult that occurs over a period of time. The mentor provides consistent support, guidance, and concrete help to a student who is in need of a positive role model. Students involved in the mentoring program may be going through a difficult and/or challenging situation, a period of life in which they need extra support, or they may simply need to have another significant adult present in their life. The goal of student mentoring is to help students involved in the mentoring program to gain the skills and confidence to be responsible for their own futures.

Who can be a student mentor?

An adult interested in becoming a student mentor must be someone who will be a positive influence in a child’s life. The most crucial role for a student mentor is to be an adult who has time for a child, who cares about that child, who believes in that child, and is committed to a long term relationship with the child. It is very important to know that the relationship between the mentor and the student may be the ONLY stability the child knows, and the only time anyone spends quality time with the child. Therefore, the district asks that a student mentor spend a minimum of one hour every other week with their child. This relationship between the student and mentor takes place during the school day at the child’s school.

What are the characteristics of a good Student Mentor?

A "Good Mentor" is someone who:

• Engages in a positive relationship with the child.
• Gives attention to the child.
• Has a postive self-esteem about himself/herself.
• Reacts well to stressful situations.
• Tolerates frustrating situations.
• Listens well.
• Communicates on a level that the child can understand.
• Is stable.
• Provides leadership.
• Is a positive role model.
• Has an outstanding record of employment.
• Does not engage in alcohol or drug abuse.
• Meets on weekly basis with the mentee
• Shows up on time for sessions.
• Does NOT have a criminal record.
• Is willing to serve a minimum of one year in the program, hopefully more than that!
• Cares about helping a needy child.
• Is not a judgmental person.
• Is committed.
• Nurtures a relationship that respects the child’s dignity.
• Accepts responsibilities.
• Reinforces student’s success.

What should the Student Mentor NOT expect to do?

The Mentor should not expect to:

• Replace the role of a parent/guardian.
• Expect dramatic changes in attitude, self-esteem or attendance quickly. Mentor is a process that takes time!
• Provide solutions to all the issues facing student.
• Break the trust they have established, unless it is life threatening to the student.

What are the benefits of a Student Mentor Program?

Students benefit by:

1. Receiving the support and guidance of a caring adult.
2. Receiving assistance with academic endeavors.
3. Experiencing greater self-esteem and motivation to succeed.
4. Receiving encouragement to stay in school and graduate.
5. Receiving encouragement to avoid the use of drugs and alcohol.
6. Improving interpersonal relationships, such as with teachers and family.
7. Receiving assistance in choosing a career path.

Adult mentors benefit by:

1. Increasing their involvement in the community.
2. Recognizing they can make a difference.
3. Making a new friend.
4. Gaining new experience and knowledge about youth and the community’s schools.
5. Contribute to the quality of the future workforce

Business and Organizations benefit by:

1. Fostering good community relations.
2. Contributing to the quality of the future workforce.
3. Improving employee morale.
4. Enhancing employee skills.

Schools benefit by:

1. Improving student performance.
2. Improving student attendance.
3. Increasing student retention.