DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. mentors provide support to high school students as they go through their educational experience, as well as ongoing support to graduates in order to ensure their continued educational, personal, and professional success. Mentors are a key part of the Lower North Philadelphia community, supporting the learning, development, and exploration of the students.

Description of a DonCARES of Philadelphia, Inc. Mentor

A mentor is an individual who wants to have a positive impact on a young adult’s life. He or she is a trusted person, who is caring and provides solutions and support. As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to provide access to people, places, and things outside of the mentee’s daily routine and environment. As a mentor you will use the Life Plan, a written statement of the goals of the young person, as an ongoing touch point for your mentoring relationship.
 

Mentor Qualities
• Caring
• Active listener
• Flexible, open, and approachable
• Dependable and enthusiastic
• Nonjudgmental attitude
• Committed
• Resourceful and able to support mentees as they strive towards their educational or career goals
 

Mentor Responsibilities
 

• Attend mentor orientation
• Attend two hour mentor training and monthly mentor meetings
• Communicate freely with program directors regarding mentoring match
• Make a commitment of seven months or academic school year
• Meet in-person with mentee for 1-2 hours a week at the mentee’s school. Additional contact each month by phone or email is allowed during school breaks.
• Participate in quarterly service or group mentoring activities
• Communicate twice a month in first month and once a month thereafter with mentor coordinator
• Participate in all ongoing training sessions
• Provide all needed data for program evaluation
Mentor Eligibility Requirements
• Must be over 18 years of age
• Must be enrolled at Temple University
• Must complete an application
• Attend an in-person interview
• Pass criminal record and child abuse registry checks
 

Time Commitment
 

Volunteers will be matched with a high school student for a minimum of seven (7) months
1-2 hours a week with mentee during school hours. Monthly training sessions with mentors and program administrators
 

Benefits
• Guide young adults towards achieving their education and career goals, while gaining a new friend
• Experience the fulfillment of watching a student grow, develop skills, and gain confidence
• Enhance growth by modeling good values and judgement
• Become a part of a new network of change agents
• Learn more about your community and its diversity and its future