Become a PEAK Mentor

"Having a mentor is more important than ever before. And that's because, in many ways, being a kid today is tougher than ever before. And then when you add in the age-old struggles of just plain old growing up – the anxiety, the confusion, the academic and the social pressure – you've got an entire generation of young people truly in desperate need of a friend, someone they can trust, an example they can follow.” First Lady Michelle Obama, National Mentoring Summit 2011

Youth development experts now agree that mentoring is a critical element in any child’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. It builds a sense of industry and competency, boosts academic performance and broadens horizons. Without doubt, young people who have the benefit of caring adult mentors navigate the path to adulthood more successfully (Mentoring in America, 2005). Research shows that youth who participate in mentoring relationships experience a number of positive benefits. According to a Child Trends (2002) report, these benefits include:

•  Better attendance and attitude toward school.
•  Less drug and alcohol use.
•  Improved social attitudes and more trusting relationships.
•  Better communication with parents.
•  A better chance of going on to higher education.

Children are not the only ones whose lives can be changed by mentoring. For many mentors, the rewards of reaching out to another and building a close, trusting relationship are great, including an increase in personal enrichment, happiness, and self-knowledge.

Mentoring benefits all society: healthy, educated and nurtured children grow up to be productive adults and responsible parents. They may even grow up to be mentors themselves someday.

Four hours a month can make a difference!

Mentoring Eligibility Requirements

•  Complete a Mentor Volunteer Application.
•  Participate in an informal interview.
•  Submit to the following checks: Federal background check.
  • State of Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Child Abuse check. 
  • National & State of Illinois Sex Offender Registry check.
  • Professional References check.
  • Personal References check.
     
•  Provide valid Driver’s License or State ID.
•  Provide proof of Valid Auto Insurance (if applicable).
•  Attend a 2 ½-3 hour training/orientation session.
•  Commit to mentoring a student for four (4) years.
•  Meet at least 4 hours a month with their mentee after school, on a weekend, attending PEAK events, grab a bite to eat, see a movie, etc.
•  Communicate with their mentee at least twice a month.
•  Participate in Student/Mentor events during the school year (four-six events a year).

Mentor Application Materials:

• Complete Mentor Application (including ALL forms)
• Federal Background Check Authorization Form
• Child Abuse Check Authorization Form
• Consent to Use Photographic Image Form
• Professional Reference Form
• Personal Reference Form

Mentor Training

Mentor training is essential so that mentors learn about the expectations of their role as mentor. Trainings will be conducted in June through early August. New mentors will then be matched with their students in mid August and meet for the first time at our Kick-Off Event on August 16, 2012 at 6:00 PM.

Training dates to come. Stay tuned…….