We Are Seeking Mentors for the High School Youth Mentorship Program
The Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program for high school youth is an interdisciplinary initiative designed to equip Black youths with the skills needed to thrive in both academia and the workforce. Open to students from all disciplines, the program for high school youth offers mentorship opportunities wherein participants gain valuable research or professional practice experience under the guidance of Black professionals or faculty members. In addition to these hands-on experiences, students attend workshops and participate in group activities, fostering holistic growth and development.
From July 2 to August 9, 2024, participants will commit to the mentorship program full time. Each week, they will dedicate one day to participating in workshops while the remaining three to four days will be spent in individual mentorship sessions with professionals and/or graduate students. These sessions will offer practical experience. Additionally, participants will collaborate on a group project, further enhancing their skills and knowledge through teamwork.
The primary objectives of the Program are to:
- Develop leadership skills of Black youth
- Increase the post-secondary entry and completion rates for Black youth
- Foster community belonging for Black youth
- Create a positive cultural identity for Black youth
- Empower Black youth to tackle issues of racism and discrimination
Who is a Mentor?
A mentor is someone experienced in a particular field(s) who commits time to assist with the academic, professional, and social development of others. As a mentor with the BYMLP, you will have the opportunity to share your professional knowledge, skills, and guidance with Black students poised to enter grades 11 and 12. As a trusted advisor, you will help students learn what kind of preparation they need to consider to reach their career goals and motivate them to work hard in school so that they can achieve success such as you have achieved. Black students need role models who they feel understand them and the challenges they face to inspire them and teach them how to successfully navigate the world of school and work. You could be that person!
What Does a Mentor Do?
- Build rapport at each meeting with mentee(s)
- Provide truthful and encouraging feedback
- Show genuine interest in mentees’ well-being and success
- Provide guidance/tips that can help mentees to achieve their goals
- Motivate mentees to rise to challenges
- Foster conversations with mentees that will broaden their perspectives
Who is eligible to be a Mentor?
Mentors of the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Work in an occupation that requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Be willing to complete a police check (vulnerable sector police check). The cost of the police check will be covered by the Black Youth Mentorship and Leadership Program.
- Be available to mentor Black youths
Expectations of Mentors:
- Commit to positive interactions with youth
- Meet with mentee(s) for at least 1 hour a week
- Assign a project for the mentee(s) to work on and supervise them.
- Commit to mentoring and demonstrate the eagerness to make it a priority
- Commit to confidentiality
- Complete an evaluation form for the BYMLP