What will I be asked to do as a Say Yes Near Peer Mentor?

• Provide guidance to your group of mentees as they transition from high school to post secondary education
• Help mentees by providing support and encouragement
• Build a relationship with your mentees by planning and participating in activities as a group
• Serve as a positive role model

Time Commitment

• 10-month commitment
• Meet virtually on Saturdays for 2.5 hours, twice a month
• Contact mentee by phone, text, email, Face Time, social media, etc. during non-meeting weeks
• Attend scheduled Near Peer Mentoring program events

Mentor Requirements

• Complete the mentor application
• Complete and pass screening process with background checks
• Adhere to all program policies and procedures
• Share current class schedule with Near Peer Mentoring Supervisor
• Sign the mentor/mentee agreement once matched with a mentee group
• Communicate with program staff and submit monthly communication log
• Complete an evaluation form regarding the mentoring experience
• Currently enrolled as a Say Yes Scholar and be a Sophomore/Junior in college
• Must be at least 18 years old

Desirable Qualities

• Has good listening skills
• Demonstrate patience and flexibility
• Exhibit strong commitment to the mentoring initiative
• Be open to cultural differences
• Display the ability to be encouraging and supportive

Compensation

• $500.00 per semester
• Bus pass provided if needed

Role of the Mentee

• Participate in group activities with your mentor
• Set short-term and long-term goals with your mentor and strive to achieve them
• Be prepared and ready to contribute during meetings with mentor
• Have a positive attitude and be respectful of your mentor’s time
• Work to build and develop a strong relationship with mentor
• Maintain regular school and class attendance

Time Commitment

• 14-month commitment
• Meet bi-weekly, face-to-face for 3 hours
• Contact with mentor by phone, text, email, Face Time, social media, etc. during non-meeting weeks
• Attend an initial orientation and two (2) training sessions annually
• Attend scheduled Near Peer Mentoring Program events/activities
• Attend occasional group events, mentee support groups and recognition events

Participation Requirements

• Communicate regularly with the Near Peer Mentoring Coordinator
• Adhere to all program policies and procedures
• Share areas of concern with the Near Peer Mentoring Coordinator
• Be dependable and consistent to meeting time commitments
• Participate in Near Peer Mentoring Program events
• Complete an evaluation form regarding the mentoring experience
• Be open to feedback

Eligibility Criteria

• Complete and submit application
• Complete a one-on-one interview with Near Peer Mentoring Coordinator
• Sign the mentor/mentee agreement once matched with a mentor
• Must be enrolled in a Buffalo Public high school

If you are interested in helping a young people to reach his or her full potential by  sharing knowledge and life experiences, career decisions and successes both past and present as a Near Peer Mentor, please complete the mentor application process by clicking the button below.

If you are a Buffalo student interested in gaining some knowledge and skills from a person who has walked in your shoes in the last few years, please complete the mentee application process by clicking the button below.

Questions about the program can be directed to Icheiry (“Shady”) Rivera at (716) 247-5310 ext. 200 or via email at [email protected].