ACPS Mentorship Program
Timeline
December 1: Online student application are available.
February 20th: Student applications are due.
February 2024: Counselors evaluate applications.
February 2024: Principals evaluate applications.
March: Individual student interviews with Mrs. Floyd.
April: Students receive application decisions.
Mentorship is available to rising seniors and takes the place of two electives in a senior schedule.
Mentorships can also be completed over the summer prior to senior year.
Students should complete the online application by clicking the blue button that says "24-25 Mentorship Application" or by visiting the Mentorship website. Once submitted by the student, the application will be forwarded to the student's school counselor and principal for review. The application is not available until December 1, 2023.
The Mentorship Program is an exciting, work-based learning experience available to highly motivated students during their senior year. The one semester course gives students the opportunity to work in a chosen occupation side by side with mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Mentors provide opportunities for the student to experience/observe typical interactions on the job and help the student understand the importance of technical skills as well as workplace "soft skills." The mentorship coordinator visits periodically to discuss experiences and assess progress. At the conclusion of the experience students share a presentation describing what they learned during the program and how it has impacted their future career plans. This valuable experience facilitates students making well-informed decisions regarding their future career and the skills, education, and training required.
Mentorship is an exciting opportunity to...
Work with a local mentor and “try out” an occupation in a career field of interest
Learn the technical and soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace
Develop self-confidence and acquire leadership abilities
Make valuable connections in the work world
Discover if the career choice is the right one to help make well-informed choices for post-secondary education/training
The Mentorship Program is an exciting and unique work-based learning experience offered to highly motivated students during their senior year. The one semester course gives students the opportunity to work side by side with mentors who have chosen to share their knowledge, experience, and talents. Students report to a work site and participate in the daily routines and tasks of that job.
Do you need more information about the ACPS Mentorship Program?
See your school counselor with questions.
Who is Eligible:
The competitive program is open to highly motivated seniors from all Augusta County high schools. Submission of an application does not guarantee enrollment. Enrollment is based upon attendance, academic performance, interview, good standing status with the school, and availability of an appropriate placement.
How Does It Work:
The main goal of the mentorship program is to give high school seniors an opportunity to experience what it is like to work in a chosen occupation. The experience is directed by a mentor who is established and successful in that field.During the spring and summer the mentorship coordinator works with enrolled students to secure a placement with a mentor in a career field of interest and to complete all paperwork and training.
Mentorship takes place for one semester; either fall semester (August–December), spring semester (January–May), or during the summer.
During the scheduled semester, the student will report to mentorship for approximately two hours during the school day - either during the morning or during the afternoon. Summer hours are flexible.
Students obtain a minimum of 150 hours (100 hours for summer) in order to earn credit for the mentorship program. Most students exceed these hours.
Mentors provide opportunities for the student to experience/observe typical interactions on the job and help the student understand the importance of workplace "soft skills" as well as technical skills.
Confidentiality in the workplace is of utmost importance and is emphasized to students.
Experiences, major tasks, and the number of hours worked are documented.
The student is evaluated by the mentor and the mentorship coordinator. Grades are assigned.
The mentorship coordinator will visit periodically to discuss experiences and assess progress.
A formal presentation is given at the end of the semester to summarize the experience.
Timeline:
During the student's junior year, the student requests mentorship as an elective course as part of their senior schedule.
The student completes the online application which is available beginning in early November and due mid February.
The mentorship coordinator interviews applicants and reviews applications.
The student receives a letter notifying him/her of enrollment status in early April.
The mentorship coordinator attempts to secure a mentorship placement.
The student attends a meeting on the first day of the semester he/she is scheduled for mentorship.
Mentorship begins on the second day of the semester or in late May/early June for summer mentorship.