What is it?

A mentoring program in which community volunteers work with middle school and high school-age youth for 30 minutes a week.

Why?

Many students struggle in school and in the community. Having a mentor to talk with helps guide them and support them in making better decisions.

Where?

All meetings and communications occur at and through the school, during school hours. In order to maintain a safe dynamic, mentors do not give their last names or any contact information to the student.

How?

Students are identified by their school and matched up with mentors based on the mentor profile form. After each meeting, the mentor provides feedback regarding what they talked about (very generally), academic progress, social progress, etc.

What else?

Mentors must attend a one-hour training provided by the ROE to ensure they know the expectations and procedures. All mentors are fingerprinted and background checked. All mentors are mandated reporters and are required to report any disclosure of abuse to a school official.

Please contact Amanda Blanchette at amblanchette@madisoncountyil.gov or 618-296-4448 for more information