Become a Mentor: Consortium for Public Education

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United Way of Southwestern PA's Be a Middle School Mentor (BAMSM) program is the largest school-based mentoring program in our region's history. Adult mentors are matched with middle school students to learn about real careers and jobs, to develop big dreams for their future, to understand the importance of doing well in school, and to have another caring adult role model.

Mentors meet their mentees once per week for about an hour to catch up and participate in activities that help students think about who they are, their aspirations and the steps they can take to get there. A staff member from the Consortium for Public Education will be present at each session. Mentors will have access to resources, ideas, activities and speakers to inspire meaningful conversations between them and their mentees. We will have things to do each week so it's not up to a mentor to fill all the time. That being said, if mentors have ideas, presentations, advice, experience or activities we will definitely be interested in incorporating that into our sessions. The students will be either 6th, 7th or 8th grade so age range from about 11-13. Mentors will need to obtain Child Abuse, PA Criminal and FBI Fingerprinting clearances. There is a charge for fingerprinting but United Way will reimburse the applicant when they submit their receipt. Mentors also are required to attend a one-time three hour mentor training presented by The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Mentors can be male or female and any age beyond 18.



Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 9 months

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

Youth Population Served: General Youth Population, Physical Disabilities/Special Care Needs

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

Ages of Youth Served: 11-14