Los Alamos High School
Native American Peer Mentoring Program
Introduction:
Transitioning from middle to high school can be both exciting and stressful for students. The shift in academic rigor, social dynamic, and expectations can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. The Native American Peer Mentorship program is designed to support and uplift Native American students by pairing upper class Native American students with incoming Native American Freshman students and/or Native American students who are new to Los Alamos Public School to provide cultural connections, academic guidance, and a sense of belonging with the hopes of increasing student success.
The purpose of this document is to outline the program structure and expectations for mentors, mentees and the Native American department.
Definition:
The definition of Native American peer mentoring at the Los Alamos High School is a learning partnership between two individuals (mentor and mentee) at different grade levels. The peer mentor promotes a positive academic, cultural and emotional supportive environment.
LAHS Native American Peer Mentoring Program Overview:
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the peer mentoring program are to :
1. Increase student success academic success
2. Increase student cultural connection
3. Increase student self-esteem and sense of belonging
4. Increase student leadership
Description of the LAHS Department of Native American
Student Support Peer Mentorship
The peer mentoring program is a program designed to pair a more experienced LAHS Native American student (mentor) with newer and less experienced LAHS Native American students (mentee). The purpose of this program is to provide support, guidance and encouragement to the mentees as they navigate the cultural challenges of LAHS.
The peer mentorship program provides an adaptable framework for mentors and mentees to connect and engage with one another. They do this through regular check-ins, group activities, and one-on-one meetings. Mentors provide support and guidance to their mentees by answering questions, providing study tips, connecting them to resources available and helping mentees to identify and achieve their goals. In addition to the benefits for the mentees, participation in the program can have many benefits for the mentor. It provides the mentor an opportunity to develop leadership skills and communication skills and give to the Native American community.
Mentorship Program Process
The program is conducted under the supervision of the Native American department, who is either a LAPS employee or staff member. The department will oversee the implementation of the program and manage the collection and analysis of program outcomes data.
The program typically begins with an application process, where Native American students can apply to be either mentors or mentees. Once the application process is complete, the department will match up mentors with mentees based on shared interests, experiences, and goals. Both mentors and mentees have opportunities to evaluate the program throughout the experience.
Who are LAPS NA Student Mentors?
Mentors are typically Junior or Senior LAHS students, who have successfully completed the first two years of high school with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Duties of LAHS NA student Mentors
Attend a training session and any informational meeting held throughout the semester
Remain in good academic standing
Meet monthly with mentees and program coordinator on a monthly basis
Build trust: To be an effective mentor, you must establish a trusting relationship with your mentee. Be a good listener and provide support and guidance.
Set goals: Work with your mentee to establish achievable goals. This will help them stay focused and motivated.
Be available: Make yourself available to your mentee when they need you. Set up regular check-ins to stay connected.
Provide feedback: Provide constructive feedback that is specific and actionable. Encourage your mentee to use the feedback to improve.
Share your experience: Share your own experiences and lessons learned. This can help your mentee learn from your successes and mistakes.
Celebrate successes: Celebrate your mentee's successes, no matter how small. This can help build their confidence and keep them motivated.
Be a role model: Be a positive role model for your mentee. Lead by example and demonstrate the qualities that you would like to see in your mentee.
Keep confidentiality: Respect your mentee's privacy and keep their information confidential. Only share information with others if you have their consent or if it is necessary for their safety
Who can be a NA Student Mentor?
An enrolled Junior or Senior Native American student at LAHS
Is willing to attend all trainings, meetings and support sessions
Is willing to listen, encourage, and provide help and guidance to a mentee.
Is willing to provide academic support through tutoring or referrals to appropriate resources
Is able to maintain confidentiality
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
Who are Native American LAHS Student Mentees
Mentees are Native American students who are typically LAHS Freshman and/or students who are new to the district (transferred). They are willing to seek the guidance of successful, experienced upper class students to help them achieve their cultural and academic goals.
Duties of LAHS Student Mentees
Take an active role in the mentoring relationship by communicating regularly with the mentor
Set goals for your cultural and educational experiences.
Seek guidance and support from the mentor
Attend a monthly meeting with the mentor
Reflect on learning and progress.
Who can be a Mentee?
Any Native American but mostly a sense of belonging and sense of community. LAHS student who would like help with coursework, is experiencing challenges in school, or looking for someone to talk to and connect with
Any Native American LAHS student seeking advice on how to succeed at LAHS.