Volunteer Mentor

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Can you give 45 minutes a week to make a difference in the life of a middle schooler?

The Bethel Mentor Program pairs caring and committed community members with middle school students who are interested in getting extra support. Students are chosen by the school counselors and participate voluntarily in the program with parent or guardian permission. The pairs meet weekly throughout the school year for lunch, conversation, and games. The program runs at Cascade Middle School during lunchtime on Thursdays.

Mentors commit to volunteering weekly for the school year, and must pass a criminal background check and participate in a short training. Mentors receive direct support in working with their students-there is always a Mentor Program Coordinator present to provide assistance during mentor lunches, and the coordinators provide additional information and support throughout the school year to help mentors build a trusting relationship with their students.

The commitment is small - 45 minutes or so during lunch - but just by being there to listen each week, mentors model a trusting relationship and can offer the encouragement and support students need. Research shows that mentoring may help students improve their self-esteem, socialization skills, and compatibility with peers, as well as their outlook on school and life.