Become a Mentor: Affinity Mentoring

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Affinity Mentoring seeks to interrupt the cycle of poverty through mentoring relationships that improve students' academic achievements, self esteem and social skills. We currently have sites at Burton Elementary and Middle Schools [in the same building at 2133 Buchanan Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI] as well as Southwest Community Campus [801 Oakland Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503]. Our newest site, in partnership with Godfrey-Lee Early Childhood Center opened in Fall 2019.

New mentor matches are made with students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Existing mentor matches are able to continue mentoring as the student transitions into middle school at Burton Middle School or Southwest Community Campus.

Affinity Mentoring is proud to mentor about 270 children at these partner schools.

Have you ever played soccer in heels? Played Lego Pirates on your lunch break? Do you know who Junie B. Jones is? Whether you answered yes or no to any of these is irrelevant? the real question is: Are you up for the challenge? Mentoring is a mutually beneficial experience. Both you and your student's worlds will expand as you enter into relationship with each other. You will play games, encourage self-confidence, read books, and help them start to explore who it is they can become.

Any person who has a heart for youth, is over 16 years old and can read, is eligible to mentor. Prospective mentors must complete an application, background check, interview and training prior to being matched. The time commitment is an hour a week for the school year [September-May].


Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 9 months

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, First-Generation College, Foster, Residential or Kinship Care, Gang At-Risk, General Youth Population, Gifted/Talented/Academic Achiever, Incarcerated Parent, LGBTQ Youth, Low Income, Mental Health Issues, Parent Involved in Military, Physical Disabilities/Special Care Needs, Recent Immigrant/Refugee, Single-Parent Household, Special Education, Youth with Disabilities

Mentoring Program Goals: Career Exploration, Education/Academic Support, Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors

Ages of Youth Served: 7 and under, 8-10, 11-14