Mentoring doesn't require a unique skill. It just takes someone who is a good listener, who offers encouragement, and who wants to share knowledge of what they've learned about life. Do you have what it takes to be a mentor?
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is seeking adult mentors to serve as positive role models for one hour a week as part of the LINKS Mentoring Program for high school students for the 2013-14 school year. The target start date is the week of September 2, 2013.
Qualifying mentors may commit to a semester or the school year. Group mentoring sessions and activities center on themes including:
- Planning for the future
- Interpersonal/life skills
- Financial savvy and money management
- Career exploration/job-seeking skills
- Community service/service-learning projects
- Health and wellness
Earlier this month, it was announced at a news conference that SCOE is one of 56 organizations in the Sacramento region to receive a Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit grant, which will help support the mentoring program.
"I admire all the leaders and teams at these organizations and what they are trying to accomplish. The impact of their work on our community is tremendous," said Patricia Rodriguez, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.
The LINKS Mentoring Program involves individual and team mentoring sessions in group settings. Weekly mentoring sessions occur on a set meeting day and time determined by each participating school. SCOE staff members facilitate mentor sessions, organize activities, and provide materials and support. Prospective mentors will be provided training before beginning group mentoring sessions.
In addition to recruiting individual volunteer mentors, SCOE is interested in forming partnerships with businesses and organizations that would support their employees or members in volunteering one hour per week to serve as mentors for deserving high school students.
LINKS Mentors may select from the following school sites:
Elinor Hickey Jr./Sr. High School (SCOE)
2040 Ethan Way
Sacramento, CA 95825Calvine High School (Elk Grove Unified School District)
8333 Vintage Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95828
The LINKS Mentoring Program is operated by SCOE's Prevention and Student Services (PASS) Department.
To learn more about the LINKS Mentoring Program and to apply to become a mentor, call (916) 228-2565.