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!
We’re here to support your journey with your mentee and ensure you both have a positive experience. Refer to this Mentor Resource Center for tips and tools. You can always reach out to our team with updates, questions, or concerns.
If you’re also a sponsor, be sure to visit our Sponsor Resource Center for more about your role, as well as tips and tools.
As a mentor to a high school student, you will dedicate time to support a student through their four years of high school and have the guidance of the SSP team to grow your mentorship. Mentors are encouraged to connect with their student virtually 1 – 2 times a month through our iMentor platform, and meet in person as possible/comfortable. Mentors will check with a parent/guardian regarding in-person meetings.
Pairs discuss topics such as acclimating to a new school culture, self-discovery, and planning for the student’s future. Our goal is to establish meaningful connections that last well beyond the four years of high school. Building a significant relationship takes work and pairs will likely endure challenges along the way. We’re here to ensure that you have the tools and support necessary to overcome any obstacles your mentorship may face.
We’re excited to partner with iMentor to support and guide your mentorships! On iMentor, you’ll be able to monitor progress, chat directly with your student on the web version and/or mobile app, engage in monthly lessons from SSP to help guide your discussions, and RSVP for events and more. Its secure online chat also ensures student safety and will allow the SSP team to support each pair in a more effective way.
Click here to get familiar with the platform functions and expectations as an SSP mentor. You can also view this video walk-through here and reach out to mfaddoul@sspnyc.org with any questions.
All mentor-mentee relationships benefit from consistency and structure. We’ve therefore created a library of resources to help guide you through your work with your mentee. As our Mentor Resource Center constantly grows, please be sure to check back throughout your mentorship to find updated resources. Be sure to contact us for guidance on any topic when additional assistance is needed.
TedTalk: The Danger of a Single Story (video)
TedTalk: The Power of Vulnerability (video)
Unconscious Bias Exercise (video activity)
This American Life, Three Miles (podcast) – Learn about a program that brings together kids from two schools in the Bronx merely 3 miles apart: a public school and a private school costing $43,000/year. The hope is that kids connect, but some of the public school kids just can’t get over the divide. We hear what happens when you get to see the other side and it looks a lot better.
Boston Globe: What is it like to be poor at an Ivy League school? By Brooke Lea Foster
U.S. News & World Report: What You Should Know as a First Generation College Student
TedTalk: How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime (video)
Trauma Informed Mentoring: Improving Mentors’ Effectiveness Through an Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Mary Falcon, Executive Director of Mentor Vermont)
We have a Current Student Resource Center to help students stay on track from freshman through senior year. Visit our College & Career hub for information to support your student’s success.
If your student is not doing well in school, there are a few things you can do:
Shoot for activities that allow for conversation and that get each of you out of your shell. In your first year of mentoring, the main goal is to build trust and establish a real connection. For examples of activities to plan with your mentee, check out this list of ideas.
Relationships take time, and your mentee may not respond in a timely manner at first. If this continues and seems concerning, please contact us. Check in with your student’s parent/guardian(s) as well because they may not have access to their phone.
We love hearing from our mentors and mentees about experiences shared and how their relationship has grown over the years. Submit your stories and photos to inspire others to impact youth in our community, and learn about additional ways you can get involved with Student Sponsor Partners.
