Civic Mentoring is a 24-week program which is offered for 10-weeks during the Fall season and 14-weeks in the Spring. These are community-based classes where mentors work with program participants and in mentoring teams either one or two days per week to build a range of skills from social-communication to executive function to leadership skills using a project-based learning framework which taps into the inherent abilities of our young people while increasing self-esteem.
Opportunities include innovative customized projects using hands-on creative arts, nature & wellness experiences, and organized opportunities in array of subject areas, some directed towards college and career preparation and readiness at our center, in community settings, and on college campuses. Strengths and interests are the entry point… helping participants to find and follow their bliss! We work with various community partners who share our passion for guiding our youth. Interns are involved with group projects, enabling an inclusive environment where many ideas are shared as everyone learns and grows together.
The application process enables appropriate matches to be made between mentor and mentee. Initial intake includes input from the parent/caregiver, the program participant and their prospective mentor to establish a collaborative relationship and collect information about strengths, interest areas, and lagging skills. Our Skills Development Plan establishes goals and the methods by which they will be achieved, understanding that the plan has built-in flexibility that considers situational factors. Mentoring is often blended with Guidance Services for transition planning and college and career preparation.
We recognize the importance of strengthening the innate light in every individual. Viewing our young people through new lenses and educating them in more creative and natural ways, their lives are impacted for the positive and the experiences benefit the community as a whole.
Professional oversight and advising is provided by our executive director and case managers. Administrative tracking and seasonal assessments are conducted at which time, guidance services may be recommended for participants and their families. Each season ends with a culmination activity to demonstrate knowledge gained and skills developed.
College students interested in becoming mentors should complete the Become a Civic Mentor Application. Mentors will take part in formal training and participate in our Project Stewardship program for the duration of time spent mentoring one of our young people in order to continue relationship building, develop insight and receive guidance.