Mentor
Mentor Program is a Key Building Block
Mentoring is a core element of the IHADLA model that provides Dreamer Scholars with a consistent and trustworthy adult role model apart from the context of their family. The relationship should foster an enthusiastic attitude in the Dreamer Scholar towards education and expose them to various positive, new experiences. Mentoring is a life-changing experience for both mentors and mentees and easier than before, as we’re now offering virtual opportunities.
Mentoring is easy and fun, and we guarantee it will change your life. We would love for every single one of our Dreamer Scholars to have an amazing mentor to simply live life with them. That new mentor could be you.
Mentor Commitment
Mentoring is an on-going commitment for a minimum of one year. Mentors communicate with the Dreamer Scholar by phone, mail, or email at least once a week. In addition, we expect that a mentor individually meets with their mentee twice a month for the first three months to build rapport. Thereafter, the requirement for one-on-one meetings is once a month. Formerly held in person, all meetings have been virtual since the onset of the pandemic in accordance with health and school regulations.
By maintaining regular one-on-one contact, our mentors enhance our program’s impact by acting as a friend, counselor, teacher, and confidant. IHADLA also organizes large group outings or virtual events in which mentees and mentors can participate together.
Our Objective is to Match Each IHADLA Dreamer Student with a Mentor:
Join by yourself, with a friend, or with a group from work. It’s as simple as going to the beach, eating dinner, or just talking with a Dreamer Scholar. A mentor can make a difference just by being there. A mentor can transform the life of a child, and in doing so, transform the world.
Mentor Program Goals
The three basic goals of IHADLA’s Mentoring Program are:
- To build personal bonds and trusting relationships.
- To help Dreamers graduate from high school and encourage them to pursue a post-secondary education.
- Expose Dreamers to new experiences designed to cultivate familiarity and acceptance of diversity: social, cultural, economic, etc.
Mentor Eligibility Requirements
- At least 21 years of age
- Willing to adhere to all IHADLA Mentor Program policies and procedures
- Able to make at least a one-year commitment to the program
- Able to meet with mentee twice monthly, and then once monthly thereafter
- Willing to communicate with mentee weekly (via phone, email, Zoom, etc.)
- Willing to complete the screening procedure: online application, background check, mentor trainings and mentee match
- Willing to communicate on a monthly basis with IHADLA Program Coordinators
- Access to a safe automobile, along with a current driver’s license, auto insurance, and clean driving record
- Clean criminal history, no illicit drug use, and must have never been accused, arrested, charged or convicted of child abuse or molestation