Become a Mentor: iRISE2 Mentoring Program (Florida Atlantic Univerity Center for Autism and Related

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FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) provides expert consulting, training and support, at no charge, for people with autism and related disabilities, their families, employers, the professionals and community and governmental agencies serving them. FAU CARD now offer iRISE2 Mentoring as an option to support the social and transitional needs of youth with autism.

The goal of an iRISE2 Mentoring relationship is to help proteges reach their full potential for success in school, their community, and workplace. Mentors provide guidance and strategies for navigating social interactions while prompting healthy self-advocacy skills. Mentors must be at least 18 years old, and are carefully screened, including a level 2 criminal background check, motor vehicle history, personal references. Mentors are asked to make a short 1-year commitment spending a minimum of 4 hours as a role model helping to enhance the life of someone with special interest. Activities can include: iRISE2 Workshops, lunch, movies, parks, festivals, walking a nature trail, bowling, exploring art, comics and history, etc. iRISE2 Mentoring also host several inclusive group activities throughout the year.


Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 12 months or longer

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One, Group, Peer

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, Adjudicated/court involved, College/Post-secondary Student, First-Generation College, Foster, Residential or Kinship Care, General Youth Population, Gifted/Talented/Academic Achiever, Homeless/Runaway, Incarcerated Parent, LGBTQ Youth, Low Income, Mental Health Issues, Opportunity Youth, Physical Disabilities/Special Care Needs, Recent Immigrant/Refugee, Single-Parent Household, Special Education, Youth with Disabilities, Other

Mentoring Program Goals: Career Exploration, Education/Academic Support, Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors, Job Placement/Performance, Reduce Recidivism

Ages of Youth Served: 11-14, 15-18, 18-24