The College Mentoring Experience
Each semester Rise Together matches mentors with high school mentees based on their common interests, availability and goals. Mentors work with the same mentee and/or mentee class throughout the semester in order to build a strong and trustworthy relationship. Rise Together collects pre- and post-session feedback from mentors to guide the development of responsive and adaptive programming. Mentors are then equipped with all the knowledge and skills necessary to meet program and student needs including college and financial aid guidance, social and emotional skill development, and career readiness. Additionally, mentors are trained to facilitate small group discussions on topics such as imposter syndrome, social comparison, social accountability, inherent value, goal setting and establishing a clear path toward a student's dreams.
We are focused on mentor growth and provide an abundance of leadership roles and responsibilities to those mentors seeking an even greater role in the organization. Leadership roles include media internships, social event leaders, research and grant writing internships, curriculum development, and more. Rise Together collaborates with colleges/universities to meet mandatory service requirements and provide for-credit internships and field placement opportunities.
We are focused on mentor growth and provide an abundance of leadership roles and responsibilities to those mentors seeking an even greater role in the organization. Leadership roles include media internships, social event leaders, research and grant writing internships, curriculum development, and more. Rise Together collaborates with colleges/universities to meet mandatory service requirements and provide for-credit internships and field placement opportunities.
Pathways ProgramThe Rise Together Pathways Program is fully remote. College mentors are paired with a high school mentee to support them with the college application and transition process. Mentors receive a 1- hour orientation before the beginning of the program and 15-20 minutes of training prior to each mentoring session with their student. College Students can also attend optional career workshops and guest speaker sessions throughout the semester.
Vertical Divider
|
Community Engagement ProgramRise Together Community Engagement Programs are in-person/ virtual programs conducted with a community and/or educational partner. College Mentors volunteer in teams with high school students in classrooms or over zoom to brainstorm, plan and implement a community project. Past projects include a community service day, a video time capsule, and more.
|
What can I gain by being a mentor?
- Service learning opportunity
- Field placement
- For-credit hours (when approved by your college/university)
- Co-op placement (when approved by your college/university)
- A way to showcase your skills (social media, business, economics, outcomes, data science, STEM, leadership, etc)
- An experience that can lead to research placements, undergraduate scholarships, additional leadership roles on campus
Impactful Leadership
Rise Together Program Coordinator
My experience as a college mentor and program coordinator has exposed me to so many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
My experience as a college mentor and program coordinator has exposed me to so many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Mentor Testimonials
I love Rise Together, I feel that I was given the freedom to really express my ideas and have immense input. I really liked Rise Together because I got the feeling that I helped someone avoid the mistakes that I made my first year as a low-income, first-generation student! |
I believe that I became a more effective mentor and learned how to reach out to high schoolers in need. Every student is different, and working with another student over the summer added to my experiences. Overall, this was a rewarding experience, and I hope to continue to volunteer in the future. |
During my time as a mentor, I've learned a great deal about what leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. It was inspiring to work with a group that is so passionate about their mission and the impact they have on other first-generation students. Adding on to that, having gone through the program now as both a mentee and a mentor, I can definitely attest to the impact that mentors have on one's journey to and during college. This whole full-circle moment made me realize just how much time and faith my mentors put into me as a mentee. That was what inspired me to work just as diligently when I got my own mentee. [Rise Together] does a great job at making sure students have a safe space to share their stories and to foster close relationships between the students and college [mentors]. Oftentimes, mentors learn more about themselves after having completed the program than they would have expected to at the beginning of the session. I can definitely say that my experience this summer has been one that was rewarding and eye-opening, especially as a new mentor."
Rachel, Senior Pathways Mentee, 2020
University of Virginia Mentor, 2021 & 2022
