Mentoring

By mentoring one student, you can change two lives. Our mentoring opportunities connect students with caring adults who provide guidance, encouragement, and support. Did you know that 93% of mentored students report feeling more confident?

  • School-Based Mentoring: Weekly meetings with middle or high school students.

  • Lunch Buddy Program: Connecting mentors with elementary students during lunch.

  • After School Buddy Program: Flexible mentoring for elementary students after school.

  • One-to-One Reading Coach: Helping young readers build confidence and skills.

  • Work-Based Mentoring: Career-focused mentoring for high school students.

Our Community’s Needs

  • High Reports of Vaping

    56% of 8th grade students reported vaping.

  • High Reports of Drug Use

    ⅔ of students in each grade level report marijuana use.

  • Students are distressed

    1 of 4 students have reported psychological distress.

  • 10,000+ Behavioral Referrals

    Over 10,000 behavior referrals across the targeted school districts were reported.

Become a mentor.

How to Become a Mentor

  • Select a program you are interested in and complete the mentoring application. Submit your application to Partners for Change.

  • Partners for Change will conduct a background check, which may include reviewing your criminal history, driving record, and checking your name against the national sex offender registry. All information obtained will remain confidential.

  • A program coordinator will interview you and contact the three references listed on your application. For Community-Based Mentoring, a home visit is also required.

  • Before starting as a mentor, attend a 30-60 minute one-on-one orientation session with a staff member. During this session, program policies will be reviewed, relevant information and support materials will be provided, and any remaining questions will be answered.

  • Using your interests and information from the interview, the program will match you with a youth. Partners for Change will arrange the first meeting, introduce you to your mentee, and provide support as you get to know one another.

  • Partners for Change will regularly follow up with you, your mentee, and their parent/guardian. We also offer ongoing training opportunities, periodic mentor events, and are always available to provide support as needed.