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Why be a
mentor?
As a mentor to a
student with a disability, you can make a difference. The many benefits of
becoming a mentor include:
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Enhancing your own leadership
and communication skills.
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Establishing a lasting
relationship with a student as a guide and advocate for their transition
from high school to college and/or work.
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Developing a greater
understanding and perspective of others’ differences.
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Who are
mentors?
Mentors can be any
caring adult who would like to help a young person think critically about
his/her future. Mentors are recruited from many places; college campuses,
places of employment, community groups, churches, etc. Many are referred by
mentors already in the program. Read the testimonials of experienced mentors
in the program. |
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What will I do as a mentor?
After
completing the application, background check process and required training,
you will volunteer to correspond with a student via e-mail for one academic
year. The e-mail address you will use is secure and monitored through the
e-mail system selected by the program instructor. The students in the
program are students with disabilities from local high schools. The
e-mentoring program also has occasional social opportunities where you will
be able to meet the students face-to-face during planned activities. |
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We ask mentors
in the program to:
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Positively encourage the
students’ transition goals
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Be a friend and supporter
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Introduce a student to new
experiences and ideas
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Only communicate with the
student through the secure e-mail system or during planned program
activities
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Time
Commitment:
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Training and Orientation: 3 to 5
hours prior to program start
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Weekly e-mail correspondence: 1
hour per week
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Planned e-mentoring social
opportunities: 6 to 8 hours per year
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What
do I do next?
If you think
you’d like to be a mentor, complete the application and background check
forms. After the forms have been submitted, a program instructor will be
contacting you regarding the mentor training. Keep in mind that the
screening process takes time. Our program is concerned with the safety and
well being of all of its participants. While you wait to be matched with a
student go ahead and continue to read through the information provided on
this website. |
