Student mentoring in George West Junior High is defined as a one-to-one relationship between a youth and an adult that occurs over a prolonged period of time. The mentor provides consistent support, guidance, and concrete help to a student who is in need of a positive role model. Students involved in the mentoring program may be going through a difficult and/or challenging situation, a period of life in which they need extra support, or they may simply need to have another significant adult present in their life. The goal of student mentoring is to help students involved in the mentoring program to gain the skills and confidence to be responsible for their own futures.

An adult interested in becoming a student mentor must be someone who will be a positive influence in a child’s life. The most crucial role for a student mentor is to be an adult who has time for a child, who cares about that child, who believes in that child, and is committed to a long term relationship with the child. It is very important to know that the relationship between the mentor and the student may be the ONLY stability the child knows, and the only time anyone spends quality time with the child. Therefore, the district asks that a student mentor spend a minimum of one hour every week with their child. This relationship between the student and mentor takes place during the school day at the child’s school.

• Engages in a positive relationship with the child.
• Gives attention to the child.
• Has a postive self-esteem about himself/herself.
• Reacts well to stressful situations.
• Tolerates frustrating situations.
• Listens well.
• Communicates on a level that the child can understand.
• Is stable.
• Provides leadership.
• Is a positive role model.
• Has an outstanding record of employment.
• Does not engage in alcohol or drug abuse.
• Meets on weekly basis with the mentee
• Shows up on time for sessions.
• Does NOT have a criminal record.
• Is willing to serve a minimum of one year in the program, hopefully more than that!
• Cares about helping a needy child.
• Is not a judgmental person.
• Is committed.
• Nurtures a relationship that respects the child’s dignity.
• Accepts responsibilities.
• Reinforces student’s success.