Having a positive role model can be a life-changing experience. Sometimes, finding a role model for a middle school student can be difficult. For example,
- The historical role of “natural” mentors within extended families and communities is rarely present today. Adolescents no longer have the aunt, uncle, neighbor, or community support they had in the past.
- Many more transient populations are at risk.
- Many family schedules are rigid, packed, or disjointed.
- School teachers are increasingly expected to meet the social and emotional needs of their students as well as educate them.
Middle school administrators, faculty, and guidance counselors are asked to help to recruit mentees at their schools. Criteria for mentee selection include
- Having potential for academic success
- Coming from a family living at the poverty level or from a family without a history of educational success
- Showing a need for adult support
- Giving evidence of potential for self-destructive behavior
The administrative structure of the program includes the project director, USNH campus coordinators, Project Mentor course instructors, and middle school liaisons and guidance counselors. School year mentorship activities include one-on-one mentor-mentee interactions once a week at each participating school; group activities such as field trips; mentor shadowing; assertiveness training for mentors and mentees; and other social and cultural events.
Required forms:
If your middle school is not participating in Project Mentor and you would like it to, please contact your school administrator or a USNH campus coordinator to find out how to participate.