MTC Mentor Program – Information for Students & Families

Welcome!

You are in the right place to find out why it’s both fun and helpful for MVLA high school students to have an MTC mentor.

Why having a mentor is important

There is a lot to navigate in high school, from academic expectations and changing friendships to family responsibilities. It’s a time when students need support, encouragement and understanding. MTC mentors provide those things and more! Mentors help students explore their interests, engage in fun activities, recognize their strengths and think about their futures. Time with a mentor focuses on what appeals to their student, whether that is doing something active like a hike, chatting over a meal, baking or crafting together, or touring a local college. There are so many possibilities!

Description of MTC mentors

MTC is a local, non-profit organization that has matched high school students with mentors for over 25 years. Our mentors are responsible, trustworthy adults who go through a rigorous background check, including fingerprinting and driver’s license history. They are interviewed by MTC staff and participate in both a substantial mentor training and child-safety training. Our mentors are screened for TB and vaccinated against COVID-19. All mentors and mentees are guided by an MTC Mentor Program Manager. Mentors want to enhance a student’s high school experience by being a trusted friend, role model and helpful resource.

What student mentees have to say

A full 99% of our mentees recommend the MTC Mentor Program because…

They like having another adult in their life who they can trust and talk to
Their mentor helps them stay motivated and feel good about themselves
They enjoy the new experiences and conversations that happen with their mentor
Their mentor is patient and doesn’t judge; they also give solid advice if asked
They benefit from the mentor’s connections and resources
Their mentor covers the cost of anything they do together

How the Mentor Program works

Both mentor and student make a commitment for one school year, though most relationships last through graduation (and some beyond). Mentors and mentees get together 2-4 times a month, usually off campus. During senior year, there is increased emphasis on preparing for graduation and forming post-grad plans.

Please complete this contact form if you are an MVLA high school student who would like more information about getting an MTC mentor.

FAQs About the MTC Mentor Program

Does being in the MTC Mentor Program cost students anything?

No, mentors pay all expenses during the time they spend with their mentees.

How do I know my child will be safe and cared for when with their mentor?

Our mentors are local adult volunteers who must fulfill many requirements to become a mentor. They undergo a thorough background check, including fingerprinting and driver’s license history. Mentors are screened for TB and are vaccinated for COVID-19. Volunteers are personally interviewed by our staff and participate in child-safety and mentor training. They are kind, caring adults who want to provide a fun and enriching experience for your child. Our Mentor Program Managers stay in close contact with both mentors and mentees and are always available for guidance and advice.

What is a mentor’s relationship with parents/guardians?

Soon after being matched, the parent/guardian will receive the mentor’s contact information, and the mentor will reach out to meet them (in person or on the phone/zoom). The mentor will answer any questions and address any concerns. The primary relationship is between mentor and mentee but parents/guardians are always welcome to reach out with questions.

How do mentors and mentees spend their time together?

This depends a lot on what the student wants to do. Some favorite activities are:

Going out for a meal or beverage after school
Bowling, mini golfing, or going for a hike or bike ride
Attending a live event (like a basketball game, a musical or a play)
Volunteering together
Touring a local college or university
Shopping for ingredients and then cooking together
Watching a movie

What are areas where a mentor is helpful?

Setting personal or academic goals and planning how to reach them
Encouraging a mentee to advocate (speak up effectively and appropriately) for themselves
Finding community resources that are useful to their mentee
Exploring career and college options
Developing a resume and navigating a job search

How often do mentors and mentees get together?

At first, mentors and mentees meet once a week for an hour or two (or more). Over time, they may decide to meet just twice a month, with phone calls/texting in between. The key to a useful and meaningful friendship with a mentor is spending time together doing things both mentor and mentee enjoy, as well as having open conversations that build trust and increase understanding of each other.

How long is the commitment to the MTC Mentor Program?

The minimum commitment for both mentor and mentee is one school year. However, the majority of our matches last through high school graduation. Some mentors and mentees stay friends for years after the official program ends.

How is COVID-19 affecting the MTC Mentor Program?

When COVID-19 closed in-person school and made meeting in person unsafe, we quickly thought about ways to keep relationships strong virtually. We reminded ourselves that everyone is used to texting and video chat, especially students! For over a year, mentors and mentees kept each other safe by social distancing, wearing masks and engaging in virtual activities and conversations. With COVID-19 vaccinations and continued safety measures (like masks and social distancing), we trust mentors and mentees to meet up and participate in activities that respect the comfort level of all concerned.

What are a mentee’s responsibilities?

Reply to texts and questions in a timely manner; give as much notice as possible if they need to reschedule a meeting; be polite and respectful during their time with their mentor.
Be their authentic selves and communicate how they feel and what they need. We want mentees to get as much as possible out of the MTC Mentor Program.
Be open to new experiences.
Express appreciation for a mentor’s time and energy.
Show interest in the mentor. Ask them about their life in high school and college, what life lessons they have learned, and what their hopes for the future are.

As with anything in life, the more a mentor and mentee put into their mentoring relationship, the more they will get out of it!

What is the process for getting a mentor?

To start the process, a student may complete this online contact form or reach out directly to the Mentor Program Manager at their high school. The Mentor Program Manager will provide the student with a permission form for their parent/guardian signature. The student then meets with the Mentor Program Manager to share information about themselves and why they would like to have a mentor. Being matched with a mentor is based on need, fit and availability of mentors.

MTC Fall Newsletter
September 25, 2024