Find Your Future: Senior Edition is a six-month mentoring program designed specifically for seniors who do not have a post-secondary plan.
The program kicks off with an introductory event that will help students create an actionable and supported post-secondary plan prior to their high school graduation. The event, a collaboration between United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Public Schools Community District and Detroit College Access Network (DCAN), will provide up to 20-30 DPSCD students the opportunity to participate in goal setting workshops and visit vendor booths to receive additional support with their post-secondary plans. Mentors will support facilitators during the event workshops to learn more about the processes, the students and their expectations,
After the event, mentors will help students navigate the process of applying and preparing for college, including assisting with financial aid applications, school enrollment, transportation, etc. Mentors will also assist with developing goals, sharking knowledge, advice and resources, as well as providing guidance, motivation, emotional support and role modeling. Mentors are encouraged to share their educational and career pathways with their students as well.
Volunteers who register as a mentor are required to attend a two-hour training session the week of May 6 (date TBD) as well as the Find Your Future: Senior Edition Launch Event on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in conjunction with the United Way Career Connections Fair at Little Caesars Arena.
Over the course of six months (from April until October), mentors must connect with their students a minimum of twice per month connecting through the REMIND 101 app. Mentors will be matched with students at a ratio not to exceed 1:5.
Mentors will be trained prior to the event on how to support the students, how to handle barriers that may arise during the mentor/mentee relationship and how to utilize the mentorship technology (REMIND 101) to manage the mentor/mentee relationship. Volunteers must also complete and clear a criminal background check.
To register to volunteer, click Respond at the top of the page.
