FAQs
Why mentor?
Mentoring is about making an investment in the future. By spending 30-45 minutes each week with a student and showing your interest in their life, you can increase the likelihood they will graduate from high school and be closer to realizing their full potential. Mentors help identify the gifts and talents of young people and provide them a sense of hope, which can create a powerful ripple effect in their lives.
How can I support TeamMates?
There are many ways you can support TeamMates and each way makes an important investment in the future. These include becoming a mentor, making a donation, providing in-kind services, like board games and craft supplies, or encouraging your friends and colleagues to become a mentor.
What happens during a mentoring session?
Each mentoring relationship is unique. However, the sessions happen weekly for 30-45 minutes and the focus ranges from playing cards or another board game, sharing a hobby or special interest, to simply just being someone they can talk to.
How is TeamMates funded?
Each TeamMates chapter is funded locally through partnerships, donations and fundraisers that are conducted throughout the year. The average cost to support a mentor/mentee match is $450.
How can a student become involved?
Students can either self-nominate or they are nominated for the program by a caring adult in their life. Typically, this is a teacher, guidance counselor, parent, or community member.
What age of youth are involved in TeamMates?
TeamMates focuses on mentoring youth beginning as early as 3rd grade. Mentors are encouraged to continue in the mentoring relationship until the student graduates from high school.