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About Mentoring

About Mentoring

Become a Mentor

RAMP™ is implemented in local communities by a variety of local community-based organizations or local government agencies. To see if there is a RAMP™ program in your area and apply to be a mentor, contact a local RAMP™  site mentoring coordinator.

Role of the Mentor

  • Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship
  • Serve as a positive role model and friend
  • Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together
  • Strive for mutual respect
  • Build self-esteem and motivation
  • Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them

Time Commitment

  • Make a one-year commitment
  • Attend at least 2 weekly group meetings a month (group meetings are about 1 hour in length)
  • Attend a two-hour one-on-three mentor/mentee(s) session with matched mentee (1) once per quarter
  • Communicate with the mentee(s) weekly
  • Attend an initial training session, as well as at least one additional training session during each year of participation in the program
  • Attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events 

Desirable Qualities

  • Willing listener
  • Encouraging and supportive
  • Patient and flexible
  • Tolerant and respectful of individual differences

Benefits for Mentors

  • Personal fulfillment through contribution to community and individual
  • Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
  • Deeper understanding of teen and societal problems
  • Improved interpersonal skills
  • Builds morale at work, develops management skills, and enhances the image of local companies
  • Training sessions and group activities
  • Participation in a mentor support group
  • Mileage and expenses are tax deductible
  • Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed
  • Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participant recognition events

Screening and Requirements

  • National Sex Offender Registry
  • State Background Check
  • Three References
  • Completion of Training
  • Additional Requirements May Vary by RAMP™  Site