HERO Mentor Training

1. HERO Mentor Training

2. Our Scholars Want Mentors • Over 80% of scholars will be the first in their family to go to and graduate from college • Need help reviewing college applications • Gain knowledge about the college experience • Explore different careers

3. Why do you want to mentor?

4. For every 100 9th-graders in the U.S. 70 graduate from high school 44 enroll and enter college 30 return to college for their sophomore year 21 earn a bachelor’s degree within six years Sources: The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems Progress and Completion data

5. Only8%of students from low-income families earn a bachelor’s degree by their mid-20s compared to 82% of students from the top-income quartile. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Educational Attainment in the United States: 2009 Tom Mortenson’s article, “Bachelor’s Degree Attainment by Age 24 by Family Income Quartiles, 1970 to 2009”

6. Uplift Education’s Mission Uplift’s mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and that inspire in students a life-long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world.

7. Road to College Program Uplift’s Road to College program (RTC) is a comprehensive program that guides and supports Uplift students and families through the following: • College preparation • College admissions • Financial aid • Transition to and through college

8. Why is college important?

9. You can make a difference! There is no such thing as a “self-made“ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success. ~ George Matthew Adams

10. Mentor Expectations and Guidelines • Assist with college research, college applications, and the transition to college • Visit your student at least once a month • Attend at least two HERO special events with your student • Attend our College Signing Day and graduation during the spring of your student’s senior year

11. Guidelines and Policy Review • Mentors are responsible to build the relationship • Don’t rush; be patient – but do have a plan! • Take responsibility to make and sustain contact. • It’s always a good idea to give the student a reminder call.

12. The Me Exercise

13. Teenagers!

14. Help keep them on track.

15. Mentoring Resources • HERO Meeting Log • Track your meetings with your mentee • HERO Mentor Agreement • Set expectations and goals with you mentee • Senior Year Checklist • Know what you mentee is working on with his or her college advisor • HERO Mentor Blog • Monthly updates, activity suggestions, and tips • HERO Mentor Resource Section • Find materials to help you guide your mentee

16. College Search • College Counselors work with each student to determine the best fit schools • Mentors can help students research similar schools • College Board Website • Rigor • Admissions Criteria • Support for First Gens • Diversity • Location • Size • Private vs. Public • Majors Offered • Cost • Financial Aid • Relationships with Admissions Officers

17. College Applications • Personal Statements • Supplemental Essays • Resumes • Checking the boxes, dotting the I’s, and crossing the T’s

18. Reporting Child Abuse: A Texas State Law • Abuse is extremely serious but relatively rare • Suspected abuse or neglect of a child must be reported • Failure to report is a crime punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both • Contact Erin Hearn immediately if abuse is disclosed or suspected The 24-hour hotline to report abuse is 1-800-252-5400

19. If Your Mentee Discloses Abuse • “I believe you”, “You had so much courage to tell someone” • Save your emotions for later – do not react in front of your mentee • “It’s not your fault”, “You are not to blame” • Do not ask too many questions or try to get the details from your mentee – this can hurt the process of the investigation • “We have to tell someone”. Tell them the next steps • Don’t make promises you can’t keep

20. Limits to Confidentiality Confidentiality is NOT protected in the following instances: • If a child is going to hurt themselves • If a child is going to hurt someone else • If someone is hurting a child Notify Erin Hearn immediately

21. Matching Process • Seniors elect to participate in program • Seniors complete an application with detailed information • Favorite class • Hobbies and Interests • Top Colleges • Potential Majors • Career Interests • Mentor Program Goals • Road to College staff review mentor applications for similarities and location preference • Consider “the human factor” • Matches will be made by the end of August • The first “Meet and Greet” event will be held in September

23. I am here to help! Erin Hearn Road to College Coordinator HERO@uplifteducation.org 908-296-0759

24. There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children. – Nelson Mandela