Academic Mentor for foster teens

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Purpose: To provide a young person (13-21) in foster care with the academic support and motivation needed to graduate from high school or complete their GED.

Position Summary

Academic Mentors will meet with a student at the student’s foster home or a designated location in the community on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on the needs of the young person. Academic Mentors will develop a positive relationship with the student, work to enhance the student’s academic skills, and promote productive academic habits. Providing help with homework and assisting with test preparation will be the primary tasks during the school year. These tasks will be completed in a way that encourages the student to become an independent learner.

Academic Mentor Responsibilities

• Develop a positive relationship with the student
• Enhance the student’s organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Incorporate study skills and time management techniques into sessions
• Work with students to complete assignments and prepare for tests
• Communicate with teachers to promote open communication and provide targeted sessions
• Build self-esteem and motivation
• Strive for mutual respect and serve as a positive role model
• Accept and relate to youth who may not share the volunteer’s lifestyle and values
• Report meeting times and student progress to HCP staff through emails, phone calls, monthly reports
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student work, conversations, and records

Academic Mentor Qualifications

• Patient, flexible, and encouraging
• Consistent and dependable
• Works well with people from a variety of cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds
• Must have at least a high school diploma
• Have a clean driving record and background check
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Willing to adhere to all Hope Center tutoring program policies and procedures
• Experience working with youth in an educational setting helpful but not required
• Must be able to establish and maintain a trusting and productive working relationship with young people and program staff

Time Commitment

• Commit to working with the student through the end of the current school year, but ideally longer
• Volunteer will work with program staff and young person to develop a tutoring schedule that best fits the needs of the young person
• Attend an initial three-hour volunteer orientation training session
• Submit monthly time/activity reports and be willing to communicate regularly with program staff