The Importance of Mentoring Youth
Mentoring for First-Generation BIPOC is critical to fostering a positive ethnic identity and sense of school belonging, a family-oriented approach that also supports the mentee’s family, and close collaboration between community leaders, schools, and families of First-Generation BIPOC.
The Youth Mentoring Program Goal
To ensure that all migrant students reach challenging academic standards and graduate with a high school diploma that prepares them for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment.
The Master-Pieced Mentoring Program provides youth with mentors who can develop a trust relationship with the mentee, who has greater experience than the mentee and can provide support, guidance, and opportunities to help youth succeed in life and meet their goals.
How It Works
Participants join a cohort for the selected year and meet at least once a month in groups for about 9 months – typically the school year. Mentoring takes place remotely and in person. Participants also get matched with a mentor with whom they work with throughout the program.
Mentors act as role models, providing a positive environment where young people feel safe and encouraged. They help them develop their own motivation and improve their confidence and self-esteem, as well as provide academic support. Together with their mentors, they set different personal goals related to their personal development, character and academic achievement.
Did you know that youth who have a mentor are:
- twice as likely to have high levels of school bonding
- wice as likely to have high academic achievement
- more than twice as likely to participate in extracurricular school activities
- almost 50% less likely to experience behavior problems in school
- more than 30% less likely to experience bullying
- more than 60% more likely to develop more positive attitudes towards school
Mentee selection criteria
To participate, mentees must meet the following criteria:
- They must be high school freshmen or of that age group.
- Students who have dropped out of school may be accepted if they commit to returning to school.
- Students who are expelled from school must make a commitment to return to some form of education.
- For example, they must plan to attend another school, an alternative education program, Job Corps, or some other suitable educational program.
- Students must clearly state that they are committed to participating, and they must demonstrate their sincere desire to participate for a minimum of one year.
- Students must participate actively in screening interviews.
- Students must be able to explain their goals for participating in the program.
- Students’ parents or caregivers must demonstrate support and be willing to participate in caregiver events
Increased high school graduation rates
Lower high school dropout rates
Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices
Better attitude about school
Higher college enrollment rates
Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence
Improved behavior, both at home and at school
Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers
Improved interpersonal skills
Get Started Now
Please, complete forms by August 5th 2024.
We will reach out to you to set time to meet, and the first meeting will occur in your school or virtually. Information that you provide is confidential and will not be shared without your permission. We are looking forward to helping you succeed
How To Become A Mentor
- Looking for a way to give back? The Master-Pieced is always seeking new volunteers to help provide high school students with a safe place to grow.
We need mentors like you to help
Guide students - Challenge students
- Develop relationships that create mutual trust and respect
- We are seeking mentors from all professional backgrounds to participate in our mentoring program.
The role of a mentor.
- Support a young person through an ongoing one-on-one relationship
- Serve as a positive role model and friend
- Plan and participate in activities together
- Build self-esteem and motivation in a young person
- Set goals with your mentee and work toward accomplishing them
- Spend 1-2 hours per month one-on-one with mentee
The role of a mentor.
- A minimum of two years of professional experience or current college student
- Strong understanding of their industry and access to an active professional network
- Commit to a minimum of two-three 1-hour meetings per month, over a 4 month period (total 12 hours). These hours can be done in-person or virtually.