So You Want to be a Mentor!

Ever thought about becoming a mentor to a young person? Or just interested in learning more about what’s involved? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: What does a mentor do?

Through SCYM’s One-on-One Mentoring program, a mentor is matched with one student, usually between 5th-8th grade at the start of the match. The mentor and student get together once a week at a time that’s convenient for both of them, and do an activity they both enjoy together. The mentor provides transportation.

Q: How long does a mentor match last?

We ask mentors to commit to a minimum of one year. Mentor matches that last less than six months have actually been demonstrated to do more harm than good, so longevity is important. (We’re happy to report that all of our matches have lasted at least one year, the average match length right now is almost three years, and the longest current match is five years!)

Q: What do mentors and mentees do together?

Our mentor matches have done all kinds of activities, but some of their favorites have included:
– Going to a park or playground to throw a football or shoot baskets
– Going to the YMCA
– Reading a book together and talking about it
– Going to a local college sports event
– Going to a free community event
– Doing a service activity together
– Going for a walk
– Getting something to eat
– Getting families together for a meal
– Running an errand together

Q: If I want to be a mentor, how do I get started?

There are a few steps in the process, and it can take up to a few months before you’re actually matched. The steps, which can happen in any order, are:
– Fill out and return mentoring application
– Attend 3-hour mentor training
– FBI/BCI background check (paid for by SCYM)
– Motor Vehicle Records check by SCYM
– Check references
– Be matched with a student and start mentoring!

Most of the steps can happen pretty quickly once we get the ball rolling!

Q: If I’m interested in being a mentor, who should I contact?

If you’re interested in mentoring, please contact Faith Bosland at SCYMinistries@gmail.com or 937-206-7812. If you’d like to get together to talk about whether mentoring would be a good fit for you, that would be great first step. We’ve got loads of Springfield kids who would love to have the support of a mentor in their lives!