Volunteer Now – Share Your Expertise
Stratford Public School System Looking for Mentors
All Ages and Backgrounds Needed
The purpose of the Stratford Public Schools Mentorship (SPS) program is to eliminate gaps in opportunity, access, and achievement through mentoring. We also look to encourage the social, academic, and mental growth of our students through a one-on-one or group mentoring relationship where a caring adult serves as a role-model to a student as they go through a difficult period and/or faces new challenges.
We expect our potential mentors to be caring, responsible volunteers who give one-on-one time to SPS students while encouraging them to develop their strengths and capabilities. Mentoring is not tutoring and is not grounded in academic support.
Prior to being assigned to a student, it is required to have a background check and attend a mentor orientation.
Mentor: A wise and trusted friend and guide
The goal of the Mentoring program is to improve the lives of Stratford’s students through relationships with caring adult mentors.
Mentoring Programs available to students in the Stratford Public Schools. The In-School Mentoring Program—establishes a relationship with a caring adult who listens attentively to a student who would benefit from positive support and encouragement from an adult role model.
ACE Mentoring Program–an after school program for students interested in careers in Architecture, Construction or Engineering. Students work with industry professionals on authentic projects designed to expose them to related careers and educational opportunities.
Electronic Mentoring Program–connects students electronically with professional mentors who are employees at local and national companies. The purpose of this program is for students to gain a better knowledge of various career fields and the education and skills required for these careers. Students communicate with mentors through a secure web-site or e-mail box.
Benefits of Mentoring to Youth:
• Improved academic performance
• Increased self-esteem
• Improved school attendance
• Increased communications
• Improved peer/family relationships
• Increased sense of career direction
• Mentors Benefit as Well
• Feel better about themselves for having influenced a child’s life
• Return to work happier and more productive
• Experience increased morale
• Get along better with own spouse, children, and significant others
The Stratford Public Schools invite you to become a Mentor or Volunteer
Several times over the school year, Stratford partners with the Governor’s Prevention Partnership program to provide training to anyone who is interested in becoming a mentor or volunteer.
The training usually takes place in October and then again in January during National Mentoring Month.
Thank you for your interest in working with our students. If you have any questions about mentoring in Stratford Public Schools, please contact Yvonne Temple, Supervisor of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement, at templey@stratk12.org.
To learn more about Mentoring in Stratford, go to: https://www.stratfordk12.org/page/mentoring
I like that you talked about students improving their lives by being guided by adults. I can imagine how helpful that would be for those with challenges in their lives such as their families or even in their finances. Having someone to be there for them will ensure that they can achieve their dreams even with the situation they are in.