Fairfax Mentoring Program

Mentoring is a Great Thing to Do

Are you considering becoming a mentor? Terrific! Mentoring is one of the most significant ways that you can impact the life of a young person. No special skills are needed . . . just the willingness to care and spend time with someone who needs you. Fairfax Mentoring Program pairs responsible, positive adults with youth in Fairfax County. Please call 703-324-5369, TTY 711.

Mission

Our mission is to help youth improve academics, prevent deviant behavior and strengthen connections to their families and the community. We are funded through a grant from the US Department of Educations Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

How Does Mentoring Help?

Research and experience have shown that people who succeed have had at least one significant adult who cared about them. In many cases, that adult has been a parent. Young people who meet regularly with mentors are:

• 46% less likely to get involved with drugs
• 27% less likely to start consuming alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• More likely to graduate from high school
  
• More likely to enroll in college
  
• More likely to be hopeful about their future
  (Source: Public Private Ventures, 1999)

Who are the Mentees?

Mentees are referred by school counselors, teachers, community center staff, parents. Mentees are in grades 4 – 8 and range in ages from 9-14.

Typical Mentee:

• Struggles with schoolwork
• Spends little time with an adult
• Needs a positive adult role model
• Lacks confidence and self-esteem
• Copes with family separation issues
• Wants a friend who will listen to them and have fun!

Getting Started Becoming a Mentor

• Making a one-year commitment to mentor a youth for one hour a week
• Agreeing to a background check
• Attending an orientation and training session
  

For the Forms below, call 703-324-5460, TTY 711

Application Forms to Become a Mentor
Teacher Referral Form
Parents Permission Form
Photo Release Form
Transportation Form
Youth Application Form
Youth Interest Form

Related Links

www.fairfaxyouth.org/
Virginia Cooperative Extension