Mentors become special friends to young persons by sharing their time, valuable experiences, modeling understanding and caring ways of dealing with others, and empowering young persons to be secure, and self-confident.  Mentors also provide support by supplying information, helping to increase a student’s knowledge of study skills and exploring career and college opportunities.

Qualifications for Mentors:

1.  Have a desire to work with young people

2.  Be willing to attend on-going training      

3.  Be willing to communicate regularly and openly with others who are involved with each student

     (Program Director, parents or guardians, teachers, or guidance counselors) and be open to additional contact with students as needed

       4.  Be willing to sign the confidentiality statement

Responsibilities of Mentors:

1.  Attend regular meetings and training sessions with other mentors

2.  Keep scheduled appointments with students

3.  Spend quality time with each of your students (you will meet with each of your freshman and sophomores a minimum of two times per semester)           

* You will be assigned four or five new students each year, giving you an average of 20 students in all.

4.  Additional meetings as needed by individual students

5.  Spend quality time with each of your Jump Start students (10 - 15 min.) after each grading period

      6.  Maintain complete and accurate records in the student’s file

      7.  Maintain a strong communication bond with each student

      8.  Notify Program Coordinator or Director of any problems or difficult situations that may occur

            with a student

9.  Attend Mentor Retreat in the fall of the year for training and to renew relationships with staff and other mentors

10. Attend breakfast meetings for new information and updates  

Length of commitment:

      A minimum of one academic year

Mentors usually enjoy:

       • Mentor breakfast every other month            •Sam’s Club membership

      • Yearly planner                                               • McNair golf shirt

      • Annual Mentor Appreciation Luncheon  (hosted by Robert and Janice McNair) 

• Annual retreat, which includes recreational activities or free time (for mentors and spouses)

On-the-job supervision:

      As needed by Program Director, Amy Huskey; Assistant Director, Janice Waugh; or Director, Monica Lee