Next Step Mentoring
65% of students with no mentor struggle connecting to their community.
About 200 students participate in Next Step Mentoring annually.
90% of mentored youth express interest in becoming a mentor for others.
About 200 students participate in Next Step Mentoring annually.
90% of mentored youth express interest in becoming a mentor for others.
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We offer relationships with students right where they are and help them build bridges to where they want to be next. Their goals vary. For some it's graduating from junior high or high school and for others they aim to get a job or their driver's license. Whatever it is, the mentors are dedicated to helping youth from all people groups to overcome gaps holding them back. In partnership with local schools, our mentors meet weekly with a case load of students.
The mentoring focus is different for each student. The ultimate goal is guide them to the help they need. Our mentors begin by building relationship with students. This is the biggest priority. |
The two of them set a weekly plan to see progress in a chosen area, such as improving their communication skills, homework and grades, or overall mental wellbeing. Students are coached how to give back by completing service projects with their mentors. They are also taught developmental assets. The mentors don’t just care about one part of the child, but use a holistic approach. Young people are guided to grow in five areas: spiritual and moral, educationally, social and civic, economics, and physical health. These assets lead to a healthy balanced teenager and adult.
Isaiah Herrera (JJM Director) & Demetrius (Mentoree)
Meet Demetrius (pictured in blue gown). He was a sophomore when we met him. We clicked right away and discovered many things we had in common, like our home life growing up and the love of football. Demetrius experienced many personal things that year and it was very hard for him to focus on school. As we continued to build our relationship, I learned his living situations weren't always the best. He was often moving from couch to couch and no stable place to call home. Although he came to school daily, Demetrius was always flooded with deep concerns. He constantly worried how his family would eat and wondered if graduation day was even going to be in his future. The following year he continued to contemplate dropping out of school and get a part time job so he could help support his family. As we talked consistently, I encouraged him to keep going. Demetrius began doing well in school and tried his hardest to not get behind. He just needed someone to remind him the importance of finishing school. During his junior year, I was able to see him experience going to prom. I also got to help him get his license. The most exciting thing was seeing him eventually walk the stage and receive his diploma. Demetrius is a kid who could do anything he set his mind to. He just needed someone to believe in him too.
We have a place for anyone interested in mentoring students to the next level. Find out how to begin a relationship like this and ways to support mentoring from behind the scenes at Get Involved.
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