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Building connection and conversation, because everyone belongs.
Our 70 High School Affinity Mentors are positive role models who meet regularly during the school year with elementary and middle school students to engage in age-appropriate conversations surrounding shared identities and life experiences.
We emphasize community building in a safe and nurturing environment so children get to know their mentors and each other. We strive to create a meaningful connections between High School Mentors and younger students with shared backgrounds.
Our Mission
Our Mission
The Piedmont Affinity Mentorship Program builds connection and conversation and upholds and celebrates diverse identities all across our student body.
We center the shared experiences of students with underrepresented cultural, ethnic, religious, neurodiverse, and gender-expansive identities by creating connections between them and high school Affinity Mentors, who also share these backgrounds. We mentor elementary and middle school students with these identities.
OUR PHS/MHS MENTORS ARE:
positive role models who engage their mentees in age-appropriate, reflective, and fun lessons about shared identities;
enrolled in a cohort-style high school course together to develop their understanding and practice of dialogue, identity development, and cultural responsiveness;
sources of support and community builders through whom children really get to know each other and their mentors.
We hope to normalize differences without shame, fear or rejection—because we believe every child deserves to feel safe and a sense of belonging.
Why Parents Love Affinity Mentorship
Why Parents Love Affinity Mentorship
"The Mentorship Program brings tremendous value to the Piedmont community. When I was a young student at Piedmont, I experienced several challenges regarding my race and ethnicity. Now as a parent of three young persons of color, I feel it is imperative for our schools to create an environment of inclusivity."
"The Mentorship Program provides a safe space for our young community to grow and understand the value they bring to themselves and others. I am grateful to this program for providing my kids with a voice and a sense of belonging in our community."
- Sidra Sheikh (mom of 3)
"For us, the mentorship program is an opportunity for our son to connect with other biracial Latino students where they can openly share their views, experiences and beliefs with peers. This program helps him realize that there are others like him who are growing up in a biracial home, living between two cultures and that it is a beautiful thing. Often we feel that what makes us different can limit us or separate us. This program allows him to see that it’s these differences and his ability to share them with others that makes him unique and special. We are very grateful for Jean and her mentors for helping create this community."
- Raquel Navarro (mom of 2)
"I love everything about the Affinity Mentorship Program! It's a creative way to build connections between older and younger students. The younger kids have someone to look up to amd relate to - someone who comes from a similar background."
"The older students have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and share their experiences. PADC was thrilled to support the program in its infancy and it's wonderful to see how much it's grown and its impact on our community."
- Ellen Lee (mom of 3)
FAQ's:
What’s the timeframe of this program?
This is a year-long program, from Sept to May. Enrollment is ongoing as long as we have space.
How often do you meet?
Mentor groups meet biweekly for 45 minutes to one hour.
Where and when do you meet?
We meet in public places (at local parks and outdoor school sites).
Meetings are held after school and on weekends.
What is the cost to join this program?
It is free for PUSD students, however we ask your child to make mentor meetings at least once a month to honor the mentors' time.
Also consider donating to our program: DONATE HERE
How many students are in each group?
Anywhere from 2-10 students.
How are these groups formed?
We try our best to cohort by age and affinity.
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
Fill out the form below or email our program coordinator with any questions.
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Jean Chen-Takazawa is a visionary equity leader, relationship-builder, and systems architect whose work has transformed belonging in Piedmont Unified School District and beyond. As Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, she leads district-wide initiatives in restorative justice, affinity mentorship, and systems change. She is the founder of the Affinity Mentorship Program. As a skilled facilitator, public speaker, and Restorative Justice practitioner, she believes transformation happens when we build loving and trusting relationships with all those involved, and especially with the students she serves. Everything she does reflects that conviction. She stands in the space between what schools are and what they could be, and she refuses to sit down until that distance closes because it is what students deserve.
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