How do I become a mentor?
Step 1: Apply
Complete an application, and you will be emailed a link to request your background check.
TeamMates mentors must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Step 2: Train
After receiving your application and background check information, a TeamMates representative will contact you to schedule a New Mentor Training.
Your 2-hour training will cover everything you need to know about TeamMates from policies and procedures to what to do with your mentee.
Step 3: Match
Mentors and mentees are matched based on hobbies and interests. You and your mentee will meet once a week at school during the academic school year.
During that time you can play games, do a craft, or just talk.
Did you know?
- Mentees who trust their mentors: 97%
- Mentees who graduate from high school on time: 95%
Mentor Testimonial
“One year ago I was set to begin mentoring in the Sioux Falls Public school district and then the pandemic hit. A few months ago, when we found out Teammates was moving forward with a virtual mentoring platform, I couldn’t wait to participate. 2020 has caused us all to adapt and this is a wonderful way to still connect with students who need mentors! Over the last 6 weeks I’ve enjoyed getting to know my mentee and we are finding creative and fun things to do together virtually. When the time comes that we can meet in-person, we will already have a strong foundation for our mentoring relationship. I am so grateful that Teammates has provided this platform and technology as an option for mentoring.” – Tina
“I’m glad my daughter has the chance to have another positive role model in her life. She’s really enjoying spending time with her mentor, and I am so pleased that TeamMates found a way to deliver it remotely. “~ Stacy – Anna’s mom
To become a TeamMates mentor, you must fulfill all of the following:
- Be 18 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent life experience.
- Be a citizen of the United States or have proper visa documentation.
- Demonstrate a desire to participate in the program and abide by TeamMates Mentoring Program’s guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Be able to commit to three years of mentoring with the goal of continuing to mentor a young person through high school graduation.
- Give permission for TeamMates to conduct a periodic criminal background check and child/adult abuse inquiry.
You will not be considered eligible to mentor if:
- You have an open warrant for a felony.
- You have any felony convictions for a crime involving violence, terroristic threats, weapons, sexual offenses, crimes against nature or any felony relating to the welfare of a child.
- You have a serious misdemeanor conviction relating to the welfare of a child in the last 10 years.
- You have a record of child abuse or neglect.
- You have a conviction for which you have not yet completed court-ordered disposition:
- still on probation
- unfinished community service
- unpaid fines
- Have been charged with Driving Under the Influence of alcohol in the last 3 years.
- Have more than one charge of Driving Under the Influence. May be eligible if there have been no alcohol-related charges in the last 5 years.
You may provide an explanation for the following offenses to determine mentor eligibility:
- A police record indicating a minor misdemeanor offense or infraction offense, including an open warrant for a minor misdemeanor offense.
- Any other felony charge under 5 years ago.
- A serious misdemeanor conviction if the incident occurred more than 5 years ago including:
- fighting
- weapons
- drugs
- Obstruction of justice in any way including obstruct an officer, obstruct law, resisting arrest.
- Theft of any kind including theft by deception, theft of services, theft by unlawful taking, shoplifting.
- Any other misdemeanor conviction that constitutes moral turpitude including: possession or use of drugs or drug paraphernalia, public intoxication
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol over 3 years ago
- More than one charge of Driving Under the Influence if both charges are over 5 years old.
- More than one Non-driving alcohol-related offense over 3 years old.
- One alcohol-related charge in the last 3 years.
- Motor vehicle offenses including:
- a consistent pattern of numerous violations in the past.
- consistent convictions of no insurance or no proof of financial responsibility.
****If you feel any of aforementioned offenses pertain to you, you may provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the incident and any action taken after the incident where prompted later in the application. Please note that confidentiality of your information will be strictly maintained.