Mentoring
Developed to offer children the opportunity to reach their maximum potential, GEEF's Mentoring program is a school and community-based initiative providing trusting relationships between trained adult mentors and Fountain Hills Unified School District students in grades K-12.
The Mentoring program received a 1st place 2007 Golden Bell Award from the Arizona School Board Association. The Golden Bell Award represents quality leadership and advocacy for children in schools.
A Mentor's Role
Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship between young people and positive individuals who offer support and encouragement.
A mentor provides young people with counsel, friendship and reinforcement.
Mentoring is aimed at developing the confidence, competence, and character of the mentee.
Who Needs Mentors?
Of 46 million Americans aged 8-18, 16 million are growing up without a mentor. That's one out of every three young people who, outside of their family at home, don't have a trusted adult who they believe they can turn to for advice and guidance. Of those young people,
9 million face a variety of day-to-day challenges that put them at-risk for falling off track.*
Benefits of Mentoring
Mentoring creates meaningful connections that can positively impact the lives of both mentor and mentee. Those who receive mentorship are more likely to see improved academic, social, and economic prospects. Those who mentor are able to further build important leadership, management and creative skills, while giving back to their community.
That means that EVERY mentorship matters.*
Become a Mentor
Whether you can give a little time or a lot, you can affect someone’s life in a positive way.
Mentors are asked to contribute 45-60 minutes a week during the school year. Mentoring takes place on school grounds, under supervision and direction of teachers and administrators.
Three simple steps and you can be well on your way:
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Complete Mentor Profile Form
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Attend Orientation Training
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Start Mentoring!
Schedule a Presentation
Supporting our youth and educational institutions depends on community involvement. We are available to do presentations and trainings on Mentoring for groups of all sizes.
If you would like to arrange a presentation for your workplace, classroom, faith group, civic, or any social organization, Email us.
Make a Donation
Tax deductible donations help fund
administrative costs, tools to support mentors, and events to grow the program.
Donations provide:
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Mentor Background Checks
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Training Manuals
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Teacher/Mentor Assignment Folders
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Skill Development Resource Boxes
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Marketing Brochures
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National Thank Your Mentor Day Breakfast Ceremony
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End of Year Celebration for Mentees and Mentors
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are participating?
McDowell Mountain Elementary (grades K-5), Fountain Hills Middle School (6-8), and Fountain Hills High School (9-12).
What are the school hours?
Each school has a slightly different time schedule, but mentoring occurs during the basic school day hours of 9 AM to 3 PM.
What is the school year time frame for mentoring?
Mentoring begins in September, shortly after the school year begins, and finishes up in May.
What happens if I don’t get to Arizona until December and I leave before the school year is over?
We work with your time available and just ask you to let the teacher and mentor administrator know before you leave in the spring. We will work with you to prepare your mentee for the ending of your time together.
What happens if we have a vacation planned during the school year?
We ask that you notify the teacher in advance as to when you will be absent, and let your mentee know also. It is great when you can come back and share your experience with your mentee.
Do I need a teaching degree to be a mentor?
No. You will receive the student’s work from the teacher.
Do I have to be able to teach all subjects?
You do not have to be able to teach any subject. Work and instruction is provided by the teacher. You reinforce the skills with activities and provide your own experience and learning to assist the child. Your strengths in subject areas are taken into consideration as we match up mentors and mentees.
Can I mentor more than one child?
Yes, you may mentor more than one child. However, we try to keep a one to one mentor relationship. Some mentors mentor one child for a half hour or 45 minutes, and then mentor another child for a session immediately following.
What is the time commitment involved to mentor?
We ask for 45 to 60 minutes one day each week during the school year. This is all it takes to make a difference in the life of a child.
Is every child who needs mentoring “at risk”?
All children are “at risk” within society today without support from caring adults. The students we work with are at risk for many reasons. They range from being unsuccessful in the traditional classroom, to not being challenged in school, to having come from a non-traditional family environment. Mentors offer students another view to life, another caring adult.
What training do I need?
There is a 2 hour orientation and training before you begin mentoring your student. You can always discuss any questions with the teacher or another mentor.
Why should companies adopt a mentoring program and support their staff in becoming mentors?
Through mentoring, your employees will have opportunities to support their professional development (e.g. time management, communication, teamwork, motivating others, etc.), while supporting the personal development of a young person.
If I can’t mentor at this time, how can I make a donation?
Donate to GEEF here!
I want to be a mentor! How do I get started?
Submit the Mentor Profile Form. We will contact you from there, so you can begin making a difference in the life of a child.
Still have questions? Please Email us.
