Goals of a Mentoring Relationship for a mentor

• To develop a positive relationship with a mentee.
• To help an individual develop competence
• To be sensitive to a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experience.
• To gain experience which will prove useful in other areas of life.
• To become energized through a helping relationship.
• To communicate the mentor's experiences and insights to the mentee.
• To develop a network of support for the mentee.
• To have fun while working with mentee and other caring adults.
• To impact the love, knowledge and wisdom
• To influence levels of awareness for life-long learning that will result in healthy choices.

Goals of a mentoring relationship for a mentee

• To develop a positive relationship with a mentor
• To set and achieve goals
• To develop self-respect, self-esteem, and responsible behavior.
• To develop confidence and competence in academic, professional and social skills.
• To make positive decisions about the future
• To have fun while working with a mentor
  
  

Application

Mentors must complete an application and screening process for the Flint Community Schools before starting.

Candidate who pass all the application process will be notified, congratulated and invited to become mentors in the programs.

Training Sessions

Mentors must sign an agreement to attend training sessions.  Training mentors is one of the most critical components of the program.  This is the time that mentors are prepared.  On-going training is the best ingredient for success.

Initial training sessions in preparing mentors for mentoring would include:

• Resources available to mentors
• Role of a good mentor - How to be a good listener and communicator
• Cultural and racial sensitivity
• Strategies for sessions that work
• Student records and confidentiality
• When and where sessions will take place
• Student issues and needs
• Mentor responsibilities
• Benefits of mentoring

Call 810.760.1211 about training sessions and mentor applications.

What is a mentor?

Mentoring can be defined as "a structured and trusted relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the character and competence of the mentee."

A key factor in the success of a mentor is that they provide a bridge of caring, respect, accepting and understanding.  Our youth need a caring adult to guide them through their struggles while growing up. Mentors help all our children to learn.

Every mentor program has its own vision and criteria.  The Flint Community Schools' mentoring program is designed to assist youth in the school district to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their personal potential.  The mentor program is an opportunity to enhance academic performance, social and community connections, and career options for our FLint Community Schools' children.  Collaborative programming with our schools and other community-based organizations enhances the district's effort to provide educational, social and youth development opportunities for Flint Community Schools' youth.

Mentors are individuals who are positive influences and who serve the community.  Mentors help youth in many ways.  As long as trust and confidence are established between a mentor and a child, many different strategies can be used to reach this goal.  Engaging in a positive relationship based on trust and confidence is most important.

Mentor's Resources

The Mentor's Resources below contains several topics/areas to guide you in discussions with your mentee.

Placement Process

Mentors and mentees are sometimes matched based on gender and/or mutually shared interest.

School-Based Mentoring Programs

Mentoring takes place in an appropriate setting on school grounds, with the exception of optional group field trips.  This is within the student's ordinary learning environment.  School-based programs are programs using tutoring, career exploration or recreational activities as a vehicle for the relationship, the goal of a school-based program is to ensure that the child develops positive self-esteem, sees the importance of getting and education, and learns about the world of work.

Additionally, because the programs are school-based, mentoring takes place where students spend the bulk of their day.  Mentors are able to take advantage of the school's resources and facilities including personnel.

Benefits of a school-based program is that mentees develop self-esteem, have the potential to improve academically, and begin to think ahead to possible careers.  They learn to use their mentors as a resource and advocate.

Community-Based Mentoring Programs

In partnership with our community-based organization, mentoring can take place at many sites in the greater Flint community.  The Advisory Board will be developing and discussing partnerships that meet the needs of mentors, mentees and families.