Purpose:
The Community Mentor Program is designed to create meaningful, reciprocal relationships between students and community members. Through consistent, intentional connections, both mentors and mentees benefit—gaining insight, building confidence, and developing a greater sense of community.
Program Goals:
Connect students with trusted adults who can offer support, guidance, and encouragement.
Offer community members a chance to give back and make a lasting impact.
Strengthen school-community partnerships through shared learning and mentorship.
Build students’ college, career, and life readiness through exposure to real-world perspectives.
Who Can Participate?
Mentors: Local professionals, retirees, business owners, civic leaders, alumni, or any adult committed to youth development.
Mentees: High school students from all walks of life—including:
Students with behavioral challenges who benefit from positive role models
High-achieving students dealing with anxiety or stress
“Middle-of-the-road” students who may lack motivation or direction
Students navigating personal, social, or unexpected life circumstances
This program is for every student—because every student deserves connection, support, and encouragement.
Program Structure:
Time Commitment: 1–2 hours per month (flexible based on availability)
Format: In-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings; one-on-one or small group
Duration: Semester or full academic year
Training & Support: Orientation and ongoing guidance provided for all mentors
Things to Consider:
Matching Process: Pair students and mentors based on shared interests, goals, and communication styles
Clear Expectations: Establish guidelines for communication, boundaries, and check-ins
Safety & Screening: Background checks and mentor training required
Communication & Scheduling:
Have a clear, consistent method for communicating dates, times, and expectations to both mentors and students
Use digital calendars, reminder systems, or school platforms to streamline logistics
Program Oversight:
Assign dedicated campus personnel to coordinate the program
Responsibilities include managing mentor-student communications, scheduling, troubleshooting, and ensuring consistency
Meeting Space:
Provide a designated space on campus for mentor meetings to take place
Ensure the environment is welcoming, quiet, and free from distractions
Program Evaluation: Collect feedback to measure impact and make improvements
Celebration & Recognition: Host end-of-year events to honor participants
The Community Mentor Program is designed to create meaningful, reciprocal relationships between students and community members.
Through consistent, intentional connections, both mentors and mentees benefit—gaining insight, building confidence, and developing a stronger sense of community.
Ms. Chadwick presented the initiative during a staff meeting, emphasizing that mentoring is an intervention that supports all students.
The students we’re looking to connect with include:
Students with behavioral challenges who need positive role models
High-achieving students struggling with anxiety or stress
“Middle-of-the-road” students lacking motivation or direction
Students navigating personal, social, or unexpected life challenges
💬 This program is for every student—because every student deserves connection, support, and encouragement.
A follow-up email included a [Google Form] for staff to recommend students for the program.
🤝 Mentor Recruitment
While vetting students, we began building our mentor network:
Ms. Chadwick presented at local chamber meetings and was invited to speak at City Council to grow support.
We leveraged existing community partnerships already supporting Rowlett.
Word of mouth quickly spread, bringing in even more interest from those wanting to invest in students.
✅ Training & Phases of Launch
Mentors attended training that included background checks, expectations, and logistics. Link to Guidelines and Expectations for a Volunteer RHS Community Mentor Reminders
Phase 1 (Oct–Jan 2024):
6 mentors
25 students
Phase 2 (Jan 2025–Present):
+8 mentors
+40 students
This program requires significant coordination, including:
Managing mentor sign-ups via a [Timeslot Calendar] (ensuring A/B week rotation)
Using E-Hall Pass to minimize class disruption and track student movement
Communicating regularly with both mentors and teachers
💡 What Makes It Work?
Intentionality
Consistency
A shared belief that every student benefits from feeling seen, supported, and valued.