Face-to-Face Mentoring Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are students selected for this program at their school?

   Most of the students hear about the opportunity through a presentation given by the Site Coordinator in their classrooms. The Site Coordinator is the trained individual at the site who is responsible for the coordination of the project. Some students are referred by teachers or counselors. All interested students are invited to apply. Students are not offered any incentive to sign-up for the program. Students must complete an application, return parent authorization forms, and be interviewed before being selected for the program. Be A Mentor has learned that if a student does not want a mentor, the relationship does not work.
   
   

2. If I sign up to become a mentor and follow through with all of the necessary requirements, does that guarantee that I will get matched with a student?

   No. After interviewing and reviewing your application, we may determine that our program does not have a match for you. Staff decisions of this kind in no way reflect upon the personal qualifications of prospective volunteers.
   
   

3. How much money am I required to spend on my student?

   Mentors are not expected to support their student financially. However, many of the students come from lower socio-economic backgrounds and will not be able to participate in many of the social and leisure activities that you may want to share with them. Be A Mentor recommends that mentors judiciously select activities that cost money.
   

4. Can I involve my student in my family activities or outings?

   Yes, as long as you are present. If your student is comfortable with this idea, it can be an educational and enlightening experience for a student to observe how other families interact and spend time together.
   

5. What is my role regarding the parents?

   Parents must sign authorization forms allowing their child to participate in the Mentor Project. You are encouraged to meet your student’s parent/guardian as soon as possible. Your Site Coordinator will provide opportunities for you to meet your child’s parent before and after you are matched.

6. I travel occasionally with my job and always take an annual summer vacation. Can I still be a mentor?

   Yes. As long as during your absence you are sure to contact your student, you can still be a mentor. Mentors can contact their student in a variety of ways – through mail, email, telegram, fax, and of course, the telephone.
   

7. What if something life-altering occurs in my life such as a job transfer, pregnancy, health issue, marriage, etc. that interferes with my ability to continue mentoring my student?

   Many mentored children and youth have abandonment issues. Every effort must be made to continue the mentoring for the length of the agreement. It is life changing for youths to know that they are important enough for the "caring" adults in their lives to continue to care for and about them even when it is not convenient to do so.
   

8. What if my student shares confidential information with me that I feel unprepared to handle on my own?

   Mentors must share this information with their Site Coordinator or Be A Mentor staff person immediately. Mentors are not expected to take on the role of parent, counselor, or social worker. The Site Coordinator will advise the mentor on how to proceed.