Become a REACH Mentor
When you were young, did you find it easy to set goals and develop pathways for reaching them? Did you think that college was a viable option for you and know how to plan ahead for it? Can you recall looking for a part-time job and surviving your first job interview? Life experiences that may come easy to you now could be a stumbling block for today’s youth, but they don’t have to be. Become a REACH Georgia mentor and help unlock a young person's potential.
What is a Mentor?
A mentor is a caring and compassionate adult who shares their life experiences and expertise with a young person in order to help in the development of their skills, abilities, and knowledge. In just a few hours per month, a mentor can help a child establish goals, develop valuable life skills, and build confidence and self-worth.
Why Become a Mentor?
Powerful things happen when an experienced person shows interest in and helps another individual grow and develop. When mentoring is done well, all parties benefit. Both the mentor and mentee learn and grow. It has been found that the rewards mentors gain are sometimes as substantial as those gained by their mentees!
Mentors can expect to:
- Have fun.
- Achieve personal growth and learn more about themselves.
- Improve their self-esteem and feel they are making a difference in their community.
- Gain a better understanding of other cultures and develop a greater appreciation for diversity.
- Feel more productive and have a better attitude at work.
- Enhance their relationships with their own children.
- Increase their professional network.
What Makes a Good Mentor?
Many people have had a teacher, coach, or manager who has served as a mentor. Their involvement has made a positive impact on our lives and in some cases has shifted their personal and professional trajectory. Mentors serve in different capacities during the course of a relationship and share some common qualities:
- Desire to be involved with a young person.
- Respect for young people.
- Active listening skills.
- Empathy.
- Ability to see solutions and opportunities.
- Flexibility.
What Will I Do With My Mentee?
- Meet with your Scholar at least twice per month during the academic year to share experiences, provide guidance and offer support.
- Help your Scholar understand the link between current studies and future aspirations.
- Provide an opportunity for your Scholar to develop a consistent, trusting relationship.
- Guide your Scholar in building academic skills, learning about personal development issues, planning for college and career, and more.
- Encourage your Scholar to establish and meet goals.
- Set high expectations and hold your Scholar to a high academic standard.
How Do I Become A Mentor?
REACH Georgia’s Scholarship programs are locally grown and operated. Please contact the REACH Coordinator in the participating school system of your choice. All mentors must pass an extensive background check. Eligible mentors will then participate in an orientation and mentor-specific training to jumpstart the mentoring relationship.
