Mentor Program
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MENTOR?
Mentors inspire young people to stay in school, believe in themselves and live up their potential!
Volunteer mentors spend one hour a week one-on-one with an elementary, middle or high school student at school.
One lunch hour a week is a small time commitment that can make a lifetime of difference. Mentoring is linked to increased self-esteem, improved academic skills and a heightened sense of citizenship.
And, it's fun!
TO GET STARTED...
For information on how to get started to complete an application, contact Lutheran Social Services at:
605.221.2403
Program Overview
Lutheran Social Services Mentoring Services empowers youth to succeed by establishing trusting relationships with adult volunteers. Mentors have a significant impact on students by increasing self-esteem, providing guidance and developing consistent, long-term friendships.
WHAT IS A MENTOR?
Mentors are dedicated people who encourage and inspire students to achieve educational and life goals like performing well academically and acquiring new skills. These relationships can last several years, and students can continually benefit from the bond they have formed with an adult. Mentors are not intended to substitute your role as a parent, but rather serve as another caring adult in your child's life.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
LSS, in coordination with myself, will match students with volunteer adult mentors based on schedule availability and personal interests. Students will NOT miss any academic instruction time to meet with their mentor. Students and mentors do a variety of activities in their weekly meetings, ranging from playing games to homework to just talking.
CHILD SAFETY?
LSS will screen ALL mentors before they are matched with a student.
An application describing the mentors background, interests and experience with youth;
a criminal background, active warrant and sex offender registry check;
two personal reference checks
a mandatory orientation training
All student-mentor interaction take place only on school grounds
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
As a parent, you can ask questions, be curious, and touch base with your child about their participation in the program. They will be thrilled that you are interested and your encouragement will help your child get the most out of the program!
In order for your child to participate in the program, the school needs to receive a signed copy of the Parent/Guardian Consent Form. Please read and sign the form and then return it to myself.