Are you passionate about making a positive impact on young lives? Do you believe in the power of mentorship to shape the future? If you answered yes, then you might just have what it takes to become a mentor with the Mower County Mentoring Program (MCMP). Mentoring is a rewarding experience that allows you to guide, support, and inspire a deserving youngster, and all it takes is your commitment, care, and a few simple steps.
Become a Mentor
At MCMP, we believe that anyone who cares about children and has a desire to make a difference can become a mentor. Our only requirement is that you're an adult aged 18 or over, residing in Mower County for a year or more. Whether you're a student, working professional, retiree, or somewhere in between, as long as you have the time and willingness to develop a trusting relationship with a young person, you're eligible to embark on this transformative journey.
Submit an Application: The first step towards becoming a mentor is to complete the MCMP Mentor Application form. This form helps us understand your background, experiences, and motivations for wanting to become a mentor. You can obtain the application from our website or our program office.
Background and Reference Checks: As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for our mentees, we require all potential mentors to undergo background and reference checks. This step helps us maintain the highest level of safety and security for everyone involved in the program.
Interview Process: We value your unique experiences and interests. During the interview, we'll discuss your motivations, expectations, and how you envision your role as a mentor. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the program.
Confidentiality Agreement: Building a strong foundation of trust is paramount in mentoring relationships. To ensure confidentiality, you'll be asked to sign an agreement stating that the information shared between you and your mentee remains strictly confidential.
Orientation and Training: Successful mentors attend three two-hour training sessions. These sessions provide you with the necessary tools, skills, and insights to navigate your mentoring journey effectively. From communication techniques to understanding developmental stages, these trainings prepare you to make a meaningful impact.
Monthly Reporting: Regular communication is vital in tracking progress and ensuring the well-being of both mentors and mentees. Each month, mentors are required to report their mentoring activities to the coordinator. This can be done via mail, email, text, or phone. These reports are kept on file for documentation purposes and help us provide ongoing support.
Become a Mentee
Our mentees, 5th-grade students at I.J. Holton Intermediate School, are selected based on specific criteria:
Struggling Transition: The mentee may not be transitioning well at I.J. Holton, making it
Lack of School Supports: Identified as not having other school supports in place, the mentee may benefit significantly from the one-on-one guidance and encouragement provided by a dedicated mentor.
Positive Role Model: The mentee does not exhibit significant behavioral issues but would greatly benefit from having a positive role model to look up to, someone who can offer guidance and support in their personal and academic development.
Interest in Mentorship: The mentee is expected to show an interest in being a part of the mentoring program, demonstrating a willingness to engage with a mentor and actively participate in the relationship.
As we embark on this exciting journey, we anticipate forming mentor-mentee matches in the very near future. The prospect of cultivating these connections fills us with hope and excitement for the potential transformation that lies ahead.