Mentoring

BECOME A MENTOR,
YOU’LL CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE.

In Indian River hundreds of students need caring mentors to help them make the most of their potential in school, in the world of work, and in life.

To be a mentor, you don’t need any special skills - just an ability to listen and to offer friendship, guidance and encouragement to a young person growing up today. You’ll be amazed by how much you’ll get from the experience, too.

Mentors meet with their student (mentee) for one hour a week during the school year. Volunteers can also choose the school in which they would like to mentor.

How does mentoring help?

The benefits of mentoring are well documented. Studies by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware and Creative Mentoring have found the following improvements by youth:

  • 81% exhibit improved self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-control
  • 61% show an improved attitude toward learning.
  • 46% are less likely to start using illegal drugs
  • 52% are less likely to skip school
  • 27% are less likely to start drinking

How Do You Become a Mentor?

Each prospective mentor needs to:

  • Submit an application with references and provide information for a background check
  • Meet one-on-one with the District's Mentoring Program Coordinator
  • Complete a three-hour training session

You will then be assigned a mentee at the school of your choice.

Who Should You Contact?

In Indian River, all schools are served through the umbrella program, Mentor Delaware. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should contact the Mentor Delaware District Coordinator, Suzanne Farris, at (302) 436-1070 x. 147 or sfarris@irsd.k12.de.us. You can also start right now by printing and filling out the application below and returning it to the district office. The address and fax number are located on the application.

Mentor Application

If you are interested in mentoring outside the Indian River School District, call the Delaware Mentoring Council for assistance at 1-866-DE MENTOR (1-866-336-3686) or visit the website at delawarementoring.org. The council also provides mentor resources and other assistance.

How Else Can You Help?

The Delaware Mentoring Council invites you to be part of the Mentor Delaware Advocacy Network in support of mentoring in Delaware. Since you are already a friend to mentoring, we hope you are willing to advocate for mentoring initiatives as they occasionally arise on the state and national levels.

Advocacy Network Website Info