Make a Difference

Was there someone special in your life when you were growing up? Perhaps there was a teacher, parent, neighbor, or friend that cheered you on and motivated you to succeed? Or, maybe someone provided guidance and helped you make good decisions?  These are the things mentors do!  It is your turn to give back and be that special person for a student.

Become a mentor and help motivate a child to value education and set meaningful goals. Your influence can be the deciding factor that keeps a student in school rather than dropping out, or provide the encouragement to make good choices and avoid peer pressure. Be a Mentor!

To learn about the various mentor programs supported by Broward County Public Schools or for more information please call the Youth Mentoring Programs office 754-321-1972, or visit the department website /get-involved

 
Why Mentor?

At a time when school districts are faced with mounting costs and funding shortfalls it is important that the needs of the students are not shortchanged.

Individuals, businesses and organizations often look for ways to support schools that are immediate and measurable.  Investing in the future of our youth by becoming a mentor to students who need the guidance of caring adults is a wonderful way to get involved.

Businesses and organizations have a unique opportunity to mobilize a team of individuals whose involvement in education through mentoring can have a lasting effect. Whether the goal is to adopt a school or several schools near the business or organization’s headquarters or encourage employees/members to mentor close to home, the Youth Mentoring Office is ready to help you get started.

 
Mentoring Opportunities

There are a variety of mentoring options available. Mentors are asked to make a commitment to meet with mentees for one hour a week throughout the school year. For busy executives whose schedules may prevent this level of commitment, we encourage the identification of a co-mentor who can arrange to fill in if the primary mentor is unavailable. While one-on-one mentoring is the most effective model, some schools provide the option of creating a group mentoring program where one or several individuals arrange to meet with a group of students regularly to talk about topics of interest.

Everyone benefits when the community gets involved in mentoring. Mentors are recognized by others for their commitment to education; achieve a sense of satisfaction for making a positive difference in the world; develop effective listening and problem solving skills and become a role model to a child.

Youth who are paired with mentors have the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skill including, goal setting; effective problem solving; practical living skills; respect for others; communication and leadership skills and an appreciation for gender, age and cultural diversity. They are also less likely to engage in destructive behaviors and more likely to stay in school. The entire school feels supported by the Mentor's presence and commitment to the needs of the students.

Schools do a great job of educating the students they serve but in order for them to be successful they need the full participation and support of the community. It is through these collective efforts that our youth will be prepared to become productive citizens.

Mentor orientations are offered regularly at several locations. To learn more about becoming a mentor please contact us at wanda.robinson@browardschools.com or 754-321-1972.