Every student is one capable adult away from being a success story – and that’s where you come in. Thank you for dedicating time to impact a student’s life!
Mentorship is a critical component of Student Sponsor Partners’ integrated model that helps New York City’s most vulnerable youth graduate high school, attend college, and escape the cycle of poverty. We depend on caring people like YOU who dedicate time to support our students. We assure you that the bond you’ll form with your mentee will make a difference in your life and is one that will likely last beyond high school graduation.
Already a mentor? Visit the Mentor Resource Center.
Every student is paired with a dedicated and passionate mentor who guides them through high school. The most important role of mentors is to support and encourage their mentees, particularly as they work to overcome obstacles and solve problems. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships contribute to personal, academic, and professional growth for students.
Student Sponsor Partners mentors have a sincere desire to be involved in the life and growth of New York City youth. Since 1986, thousands of mentors have served as role models, cheerleaders, advocates, and friends to our students. You can join the ranks of these change-makers by becoming a mentor today!
Student Sponsor Partners assists mentors by providing guidance and support on the most effective ways to help and connect with your mentee, including check-ins from our team, a robust resource center, and opportunities to connect with other mentors in our community.
A Student Sponsor Partners mentor makes a positive difference in a student’s life by being in their corner and letting the student know they’re not alone in facing life’s challenges.
1. You will be sent a confirmation email.
2. You will then receive an email from theadvocates@sterlingvolunteers.org inviting you to consent to a criminal background check. Once your background check clears, you will be officially accepted to our mentoring program.
3. If we have students currently waiting to be paired, we will begin searching for a mentee for you immediately and will be in touch to request your availability to be introduced to your mentee.
4. During your introduction, you will meet your mentee and their parent or guardian. A Student Sponsor Partners staff member will go over the expectations and guidelines of the program and you’ll be given time to get to know one another.
In order to qualify financially, a family must have an annual income of $10,000 or less per person in the household each year. For example, a qualified family of four would have an annual income of about $40,000.
Student Sponsor Partners focuses on assisting students who would be considered academically average. Our hope is that with the right structure and educational environment, these students will excel in high school to become college ready. In order to qualify, students must have a minimum GPA of 70 and a maximum GPA of 85. We accept students who would not test into public magnet schools and who would not qualify for merit-based scholarships.
Mentors commit to working with their student mentees through the duration of their high school experience. Mentors and mentees are typically introduced in the fall of freshman year at one of our events, at our offices, or through a virtual introduction.
Mentors commit to communicate each month with their mentee, with 4-6 of these meetings being held in person in order to establish a meaningful connection. Our most productive and connected pairs communicate weekly and meet in person more than the required number of meetings.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the pandemic, we recommend mentorships be conducted virtually. Mentors and mentees are expected to connect via phone and/or video chat monthly and via text and/or email in between.
Through their time working together, we ask that mentors remain engaged, supportive and open to their mentees. If at any point your mentee shares information that implies their safety is in jeopardy, or that they may be witnessing criminal activity, mentors are required to bring this up to Student Sponsor Partners staff.
Our mentoring component is student-centered, meaning your relationship is focused on the particular needs, goals, and interests of your mentee. Therefore, Student Sponsor Partners provides mentors with a general framework and resources to create a meaningful relationship. To access our mentor resources, visit our Mentor Resource Center.
No, our mentorship opportunities do not include a financial component. However, many mentors decide to fund their student’s education and/or make an annual financial contribution. If you’re interested in learning more, click here.
Mentors commit to a student for their four years of high school. This ensures consistency for the student during a formative time in life. If you can’t commit to the four years, we can pair you with an upperclassman for a shorter mentorship period.
We understand that circumstances can easily change for our mentors during their four-year commitment. Some in this situation decide to continue to mentor virtually, others refer a friend to carry out the mentorship, and some are re-paired by Student Sponsor Partners staff. If a situation arises that makes you unable to continue mentoring, please contact our team to discuss next steps.
We practice same-gender matching, and we make every effort to pair based on location, interests, and personality compatibility.
Our team will be checking in with you throughout your mentorship to troubleshoot issues and share best practices. Additionally, our Mentor Resource Center has a robust library of support to help you build a meaningful relationship with your mentee.
