Mentors
Be a Mentor: Be the Difference!
Just one hour, once a week, can impact a student for life!
What is a mentor?
A mentor is a trusted advisor, friend, role model, motivator, listener, and coach who can help empower and support a young person.
Why become a mentor?
Mentoring guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Students with mentors have increased graduation rates, better attitudes about school, and improved attendance, academic performance, and behavior. Giving back to a young person and getting involved in community schools can lead to personal growth, a sense of fulfillment, and expanded professional development.
Do I need any special qualities to be a mentor?
Mentors need to be willing to listen, empathize, encourage, and empower their mentees. They also need to honor confidentiality, cultural diversity, and consistency. Training and support will be provided to all mentors.
Questions? Contact Us!
Become a Mentor - Join our Lunch Buddy Program!
Our Lunch Buddy program screens and matches adults with elementary and middle school students for weekly, hour-long meetings at the school during the student’s lunch/recess. You can play games, do craft activities, talk, and build an authentic friendship. It’s fun! We focus on the vision of All students empowered and future-ready by connecting students with caring adults who encourage and empower students to feel connected, valued, and engaged in their school community.
How do I sign up to be a Lunch Buddy?
Fill out the Lunch Buddy Interest Form:
Our Mentor Program Liaison will reach out to you to schedule online mentor training. Both an NTPS volunteer application (including background check) and a mentoring application with references are also required.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, our Peer Mentor Program matches middle school students with high school students for weekly one-hour meetings after school to play games, discuss life, and build friendships. Meetings are facilitated by a trained Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member and held at the middle schools during 5th or 6th period. There are multiple matches in the group, so students benefit from both individual attention and peer interaction.
It’s a great way for high schoolers to get volunteer hours and be the person you wish you had in middle school! To get started as a high school Big, apply online.
If you are interested in having your middle schooler participate in the program, contact Nicole Vachlon at nicole@swwabigs.org.
Other Mentoring Opportunities
Meet one of our Lunch Buddies
Meet Jarvis & Elijah, lunch buddies.