The Leahy Center is looking for students to mentor ninth and tenth grade students as a way to give back to the community and make some money as well.
The Leahy Center launched its campaign to search for mentors in the past month and is hoping to get the program up and running in the next few weeks.
“This is a program derived from Lyndon’s own peer leading model,” said Renee Kelly, the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Leahy Center. “We are just taking the model and passing it down to the high school level.”
Kelly said the mentor program is in the beginning stages and the search for mentors is well on the way.
“When getting the Promise Scholarship, being a mentor is just one of the ways I can give back,” said sophomore Shera Howe, who is one of the candidates for the new mentor position being launched by the Leahy Center.
The Leahy Center is reaching out to high school students in order to get them interested in going to college.
Students that are interested in being mentors need to meet a certain amount of qualifications.
“We hope that by connecting college students to high school students it will help connect students and draw them to college,” said Kelly.
Lyndon State was picked to be one of the five participate in the Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s Project Compass, making it possible for the Leahy Center to come to LSC.
Kelly still encourages students who do not fit the exact description to stop by and see if they can help.
Primary Role:
Establish a trusting, mutual, empathetic relationship with 9th-11th grade students who are uncertain about their plans after high school.
Qualifications:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Upperclassman (2nd-year or higher) standing
- First-in-family college student (neither parent holds a four year degree)
- Pell-eligible
- Strong interpersonal skills and leadership capabilities
- Positive attitude and good listening skills
- Must be mature, reliable, and committed to success of the program
- Caring, patient, and empathetic
- Respectful, non-judgmental and flexible
- Native to the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont/North Country of New Hampshire preferred
Benefits:
- Engage in meaningful volunteer opportunity by serving as a role model for disadvantaged youth
- Modest stipend for two-day training seminar (Summer 2011)
- Possibility of course credit (contingent upon Faculty approval)
- Chance to develop communication, problem-solving, professional competence, and leadership abilities while helping youth build skills and confidence
- Gain satisfaction by helping youth reach their academic and professional goals
- Impact the future of Lyndon State College by increasing the number of rural, first-generation students who pursue a post-secondary degree
People who are interested or are looking for more information should contact Renee Kelly at 626-6444 or stop by the office in the admissions hallway.