For University of Memphis students searching for an ongoing volunteer opportunity, Memphis City Schools offers just that with its school-based Connect Mentoring Program.
Many University students can look back on their days as elementary and middle school students and remember those adults who influenced their paths the most. Those influencers are the people who taught, encouraged and served as mentors simply by being present and showing an interest in the lives of the students they served.
For some current MCS students, that mentor's presence is absent.
The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs has awarded more than $480 million since 1994 to support youth mentoring programs. The department encourages mentoring and has conducted research that shows mentoring relationships help improve youth's self-esteem, behavior and academic performance.
MCS created the Connect Mentoring Program in 2005. The program seeks to connect at-risk students with adult community members.
Connect primarily serves middle school students throughout the school system. The program aims to promote academic, social and personal development among the mentees involved by matching students to positive adult figures with similar interests.
The Connect program has the potential to be a volunteer match program for University students who are looking for flexible volunteer opportunities. Mentors and mentees with Connect are only required to meet once per week for one hour. All meetings are held at the mentee's school during school hours. Mentors may choose the time, day and school assignment that best fits his or her schedule and interests.
Nearly 70 percent of MCS students come from communities considered socioeconomically disadvantaged, according to data collected by MCS. These students are at the greatest risk of academic failure and school delinquency in part due to a lack of a positive one-on-one adult relationship outside the home.
The Connect program defines a successful mentor as "a faithful and trusted friend who provides support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive examples."
Mentors are encouraged to do everyday activities with the mentee, such as having lunch, holding a conversation, playing a ball game or helping with homework.
Connect seeks to make the best matches possible by having both mentor and mentee complete interest forms.
Students are selected to participate in the mentoring program based on needs related to social skills, academic performance and attendance.
University students and other community members may apply to be a mentor by going through a two to three week application process that includes a background check, interview and orientation.
To qualify for the Connect program, mentors must be at least 18 years of age, at least five years older than the mentee and commit to work with a mentee for one calendar year.
For more information on the Connect Mentoring Program, students may visit the program's website at: mcsk12.net/connect
To volunteer today, call 901-416-5700 to speak with a program representative.
