Mentor
Chicago Scholars Mentors
Watch a video of mentors sharing their experiences.
January is National Mentoring Month
Make a Difference in 2012
Become A Chicago Scholars Mentor
Find out how you can respond to the call to play an essential role in preparing our nation's youth for a bright future by becoming a Chicago Scholars Mentor at a . . .
Mentor Information Session
Wednesday, January 18
or
Monday, February 6
6 - 7 pm
Chicago Scholars Office
10th Floor Conference Center
55 E. Jackson Boulevard
(Jackson & Wabash)
For questions about the Mentor Information Sessions contact Linda Jamrozy at (312) 784-3303 or ljamrozy@chicagoscholars.org
Overview
As a Chicago Scholars Mentor you are a college consultant to first generation and underserved youth--many of whom do not have access to an adult family member who has been to college--as they work through their senior year of high school and the college admissions process. Mentors provide important support such as listening, answering questions, encouraging scholars to explore a wide range of colleges and to attend workshops, and assisting them with the college application and essay. Most important, mentors serve a critical role by celebrating scholar successes both large and small.
Mentors work in teams of 2-3 adults who support a cohort of up to 7 students. Our experience is this team approach helps to build bonds of trust more quickly and to facilitate the potentially awkward "getting to know you" period. Co-mentoring is fun for the scholars and adults, and it provides Mentors with a backup should scheduling conflicts arise.
Read about the experiences of one of the Mentoring Cohorts of the Class of 2015 here.
What are the Mentor expectations?
- Commit to a one-year program beginning in May
- Attend scheduled workshops with your assigned Scholar Cohort that focus on college access and identifying colleges that are the best match and fit for the student
- Communicate with Scholars through phone calls, emails and text messages to follow up on workshop activities and establish rapport
- Assist Scholars with questions about their university applications and personal essays; review the applications and essays for completion in preparation for the Annual Onsite Admissions Forum
- Attend the Mentor & Scholar social events arranged by the Chicago Scholars Staff
- Attend the orientation session and maintain regular contact with the Chicago Scholars Staff
- Consent to a background check to ensure scholar safety
- Abide by the Chicago Scholars Mentors' Code of Ethical Conduct
As part of our program, Scholars participate in a comprehensive one-on-one counseling session in July and a series of workshops leading up to our Annual Onsite Admissions Forum at the end of October. During the Onsite, college admission officers – who have already reviewed the Scholars’ applications - meet with the Scholars, interview them, and many offer admission and financial aid packages on-site.
The workshops leading up to the Onsite help our Scholars understand what is required to gain admission into a college that is both a match and fit. All of the Scholars, regardless of their abilities, will need the help, guidance and encouragement of a Mentor. Chicago Scholars encourages its Scholars to apply to the top schools in the country. Due to their high-level of academic performance and high financial need, cost is generally less of a consideration; most Scholars, in fact, will receive enough finanical assistance to make any college an affordable option.
How does Chicago Scholars support Mentors?
- We provide training materials, a Mentors' Handbook, and an orientation session
- We facilitate periodic conference calls for Mentors to share and develop mentoring strategies and enhance community building
- We host activities for Mentors and Scholars to engage in and build rapport
- We offer helpful tips and informational updates through our website, Facebook, Twitter, and direct emails
- We answer any questions and intervene with Scholars if concerns arise
What are the benefits to becoming a Chicago Scholars Mentor?
- Help young people through personal involvement
- Serve as a positive role model for youth
- Gain a worthwhile experience that provides personal satisfaction
- Become a part of our best practice college access and success programming
- Mentor as a team with a friend or colleague
- Meet like-minded professionals from across the city
- Impact current and future generations
- Have fun and celebrate the accomplishments of Chicago's youth!
Chicago Scholars Mentors' Code of Ethical Conduct
- I will promote the welfare of my mentees and refrain from any action that causes harm.
- I bear the greater responsibility for effectively and consistently communicating with my mentees, honoring plans and commitments, and seeking guidance from Chicago Scholars when I have concerns or questions.
- I will strive to be thoughtful and forthright with my mentees. I will avoid setting up false expectations about plans, my time availability or my ability to attend events and workshops.
- I will act in culturally, socially and gender sensitive ways. To the best of my abilities, I will show my mentees the positive results that arise through attending college and working hard.
- I will respect my mentee' right to self-determination and privacy.
(This Code is based on an article entitled "First Do No Harm; Ethical Principals for Youth Mentoring Relationships." written by mentoring experts Dr. Jean Rhodes, Belle Liang and Renee Spencer.)
Apply:
Applications for mentors for the Class of 2017 are now being accepted. Please complete the 
Mentor_Application and 
Background_Check_Authorization and email to Linda Jamrozy at ljamrozy@chicagoscholars.org or fax: (312) 784-3301.
Questions about becoming a Chicago Scholars Mentor can be directed to Linda Jamrozy (ljamrozy@chicagoscholars.org or 312-784-3303)