About Be a 6th
Grade Mentor

Be a mentor at the school for an hour a week and not only will a child gain critical real-world experience, you'll see the joy that comes with making a difference.

• Kids with mentors:
• - get better grades
• - are less likely to get involved with drugs
• - are 86% more likely to go to college

• You already have what you need:
• - a positive attitude
• - experiences to share
• - a big heart and sense of humor

Training is provided

Mentors routinely report they "get more than they give."

Why 6th Graders?

6th graders are at a crossroads, so this pilot program is designed to help those in Pittsburgh Public Schools understand how many options they have when they stay in school and involved.

No longer "little kids" and not yet teens, 6th graders are faced with a world of decisions. Research proves that mentors can influence good choices. Like staying focused in school. And staying out of trouble. And making plans for the future, including college and a career.

Many 6th graders view the world through a lens the size of their daily lives. By exposing students to people and careers beyond their everyday experiences, they're open to a broader range of opportunities for their own futures.

Learn more about the positive effects of school-based mentoring here.

The Pittsburgh Career & Education Mentoring Project

Kids with mentors are more likely to succeed in life.

This simple truth is inspiring Be a 6th Grade Mentor, the largest mentoring initiative in our region's history.

Our dream is for all students to have caring adults who help them develop career aspirations that propel them toward academic proficiency and ultimately success in careers and life. The Pittsburgh Career and Education Mentoring Project is the first step in achieving this dream.

A project of United Way of Allegheny County, in collaboration with the Youth Futures Commission, Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania, this ambitious initiative counts of the recruitment of hundreds of mentors, Western Pennsylvanians from all walks of life, representing all kinds of careers, to spend time with local students. By meeting with a 6th grade student at school, for just an hour a week, mentors are exposing students to a world of possibilities. And by volunteering time in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, we're letting kids know that they've got a future. For staying in school. For going to college. For having a career. For having a successful life.

Partnership with Pittsburgh Public Schools

To pilot this program, Be a 6th Grade Mentor is in eight local middle schools.

Click on each to learn more.

• Pittsburgh Allegheny 6—8 (North Side)
• Pittsburgh Arsenal 6—8 (Lawrenceville)
• Pittsburgh Classical 6—8 (West End)
• Pittsburgh King 6—8 (North Side)
• Pittsburgh Schiller 6—8 (North Side)
• Pittsburgh South Brook 6—8 (Brookline)
• Pittsburgh South Hills 6—8 (Beechview)
• Pittsburgh Sterrett 6—8 (Point Breeze)

How to be a mentor

You've already got what you need to be a mentor. Experience to share. A positive attitude. A caring disposition. And hopefully, a sense of humor.   It's all pretty simple. On top of that, training is provided, so you'll have tools that will make it even simpler. Join us and see why mentors routinely report that the'get more than they give.'

Mentor 'job description'

Volunteers in The Be a 6th Grade Mentor project provide mentoring services to sixth grade students in Pittsburgh Public Schools. Mentors are assigned to a United Way partner/mentoring agency and a specific school. Mentors are screened by the assigned mentoring agency and the assigned school. Supervision is provided by the assigned mentoring agency.

Mentors commit to visiting their assigned mentee at the student's school during appointed Mentor Hours (see table). In addition, mentors agree to maintain supervised contact with their mentee over the summer months for a total mentoring commitment of at least 12 month. Mentors spend weekly time using activities provided in the Career Education Materials provided by Pittsburgh Public Schools to guide interactions. Most of the session will be spent listening, interacting and in general, being a supportive, caring adult to their assigned mentee. Mentors may in some cases, provide academic assistance and support when appropriate.

Eligibility

• To be eligible to be a 6th Grade Mentor, the volunteer must:
• 1. Complete and submit all necessary clearance forms, Act 33 and FBI background check*
• 2. Submit an application.
• 3. Complete a interview with their assigned mentoring agency.
• 4. Be approved by the mentoring agency and the assigned school.

*Clearances will be reviewed by the mentoring agency and Pittsburgh Public School staff. Final decisions on suitability are the responsibility of the partner agency and the assigned school.

Responsibilities/Commitment

Career and Education Mentors commit to the following: 45 minutes/week of quality time spent with the mentee from October - May; At least monthly supervised contact with mentee during the summer of 2011; Completion of three (3) hours of pre-match training, including Mentoring 101 and Cultural Awareness; Pittsburgh Public Schools building orientation; Participation in monthly supervision with assigned mentoring agency; Participate in ongoing trainings.