WHY MENTOR?
“I always tell people that [my mentee and her family] do more for me than I could ever do for them. Through them I’ve learned and practiced resiliency, empathy, patience, and commitment. I would encourage others to get involved because it truly opens up your worldview. It will allow you to see outside yourself and also inside yourself in new ways. It will challenge you to be a better you. And it will give you the opportunity to make a real difference in a child’s life."
- Brittany G., Volunteer Mentor
INTERESTED IN MENTORING?
We are expanding and accepting volunteers.
Complete our online application to express your interest and receive a followup from our staff.
Read on to learn about application requirements, enrollment process, and more.
Explore the various volunteer roles available with the
Youth Mentoring Program to find your best fit.
Learning Lab Mentor
OVERVIEW
Mentors at the Learning Lab provide in-person support to students for 2 hours once a week at one of two sites on the west side of Cleveland. As part of a broader learning community comprising other mentors, students, and staff, Learning Lab Mentors are paired one-on-one with a single student for intensive support throughout the program year. There are also numerous opportunities to build community and engage in small- and large-group activities with other students and volunteers.
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about role requirements
Virtual Mentor
OVERVIEW
Virtual Mentors are matched one on one with students and connect twice a week for 1 hour at a time over Zoom. Virtual mentors are able to view student’s online learning portal, access digital resources, and support students in achieving their learning goals. Virtual mentors provide consistent and reliable support to students as they navigate the online learning environment, while also offering a personalized human connection to meet student’s social-emotional needs.
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about role requirements
STRONG MENTOR CANDIDATES
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Are reliable and able to maintain a consistent schedule.
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Are comfortable facilitating student learning in a variety of subjects.
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Remain committed and resilient despite challenges.
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Are willing to maintain the relationship even when things don’t go as planned.
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Are able to commit to the program through June 2022.
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Are flexible and creative problem solvers
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Put the student’s perspectives and needs before their own ambitions
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Are willing to communicate with program staff, comply with program requirements, and take advantage of training and resource opportunities to provide quality mentoring.
New Mentor Enrollment Timeline
I.
APPLY
Fill out an Application to express your interest in volunteering for the 2022-2023 cycle. You will see a confirmation upon submission to verify it was received by our team.
II.
INTERVIEW WITH A MEMBER OF OUR STAFF
Our staff will invite you to schedule an interview with us over video chat, using Zoom. This will provide an opportunity for us to get to know you better, provide you with more information about the program, and address any questions you may have.
Individuals who clear this step will be asked to proceed with providing additional documentation relevant to their desired volunteer role, including program waivers, policy agreements, driver’s license (if applicable) and instructions to conduct a background check. Many of these can be completed though a simple online form.
III.
ATTEND ORIENTATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS
All program volunteers will need to attend two orientation and training sessions to prepare them for their selected role. The orientation and training sessions will introduce volunteers to program policies, safety protocols, and best practices for supporting your mentee with the many support resources available during their time with the program. A TRR staff member will contact you with your orientation and training dates, which will occur during typical mentoring hours at the end of August and early September.
IV.
STUDENT MATCHING AND PROGRAM START
Mentors who have cleared all stages of the onboarding process will receive finalized schedules and student match information at least a week before they begin. Mentors will receive access to Slack, the Mentoring Communication Platform for connecting with other program volunteers and staff throughout their assignment.
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Expand your horizons in Cleveland's own backyard. Become a mentor to a
resettled refugee youth.
QUESTIONS?
We're here to help.
If you have any questions about the Mentor enrollment process or requirements, please reach out to Kate for guidance.
Kate Nickley
Youth Mentoring Program Manager