Change a Life Over Lunch - Be a Mentor

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How can you Change a Life Over Lunch?

By volunteering to be a mentor in the Take Stock in Children or our new Student Advocacy and Mentoring Program (STAMP)! We pair good students who have the odds stacked against them with mentors who provide the support, encouragement and guidance they need to succeed in school.

What can you tell me about the programs?

Take Stock in Children is a scholarship program for low income, middle and high school students in the public school system. Low income, at risk students apply for the program in the 6th or 9th grade, and upon selection sign a contract agreeing to stay drug-free and crime-free, maintain good grades and meet with a mentor on a regular basis until high school graduation. Upon successful completion of the program students receive a scholarship to continue their post high school education. Currently we have 157 students in the program in grades 7-12.

STAMP is a derivative of the Take Stock in Children Program. Realizing the great impact that mentors have on students, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has implemented a program that will give students who are not accepted into the Take Stock in Children program, the opportunity to achieve success by offering them the opportunity to participate in STAMP. This program offers resources and volunteer mentors to give students extensive assistance, motivation and accountability so they will work hard to ensure that they graduate from high school and continue their education either through technical training or attaining a college degree.

What does a mentor do?

As a mentor your primary purpose is to build a caring relationship with the student. We ask mentors to meet with their student in person 3-4 times per month for 30-45 minutes. These meetings must take place on school grounds, during school hours. Each student will have a unique situation and perspective on life, and so each mentors "job" will reflect that uniqueness. Mentoring is a special task and we greatly appreciate those that decide to take on this challenge.

How much time does it take?

The one-time orientation to become a mentor takes about 45 minutes. The actual mentoring of your student typically takes less than an hour week. Mentors meet with students 3-4 times per month at school during school hours for 30-45 minutes. Also we occasionally have events for mentors and students which you are invited to attend.

We ask that you make a one year commitment to mentoring a student.

How do I become a mentor?

Send me the application at your earliest convenience. The application is at the link below. http://leeschoolfoundation.org/programs/stuprograms/sp-stuadvocacy/index.php

What other resources do you provide?

We provide all mentors with an orientation and mentor tool kit. We also provide ongoing support to mentors so they are better able to assist students.

When do I start?

Matching mentors with students is onging. Start dates may vary. Orientations will be ongoing.