Middle School Mentoring Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Middle School Mentoring Program?
- Who can participate?
- What are the mentor requirements?
- When are the mentor trainings?
- What do I need to bring with me to the mentor trainings?
- What programs do mentors use in PFAMP?
- Does PFAMP provide transportation?
- What are the benefits of participating?
- What is the Middle School Mentoring Program?
- The middle school program, known as the Governor’s Mentoring Initiative, was started in January 2006 as a part of Governor Jeb Bush’s Access and Diversity Initiative. This program was created as a way to provide incentives to traditionally underrepresented students. The curriculum used in this program encourages middle school students to attend college and emphasizes that higher education is attainable.
- Who can participate?
- All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate as a mentor. Some student participants are volunteers, some are service-learners – (a course requirement), while others are also a part of the Federal College Work-Study program – earning their funds as they mentor.
- What are mentor requirements?
- Middle school mentors dedicate at least one hour per week for a minimum of one entire semester. Prior to mentoring is a three-hour training which instructs in the prescribed curriculum, teaches mentoring tips, and outlines program policies and procedures. At all trainings paperwork is completed for an FBI Criminal Background Check, and mentoring may not commence until the ID badge is issued. This takes a minimum of 1 week.
- When are the Mentor trainings?
- During the school year a choice of 5 training dates are available in September, and in January.
- What do I need to bring with me to the mentor trainings?
- If you have worked in the Leon County School system and you have gone through a background check, you will need to bring a copy of your fingerprint card and valid i.d. You should also bring a copy of your class and/or work schedule so that you can register for a mentoring site.
- What programs do mentors use in the PFAMP program?
- The program designed was the work of a collaborative effort between the Volunteer Florida Foundation and the Florida Campus Compact. The program uses curriculum that emphasizes activities reinforcing that higher education is attainable. The curriculum was developed as a series of 13 lessons that is taught over a semester. Topics covered include: college life, goal setting, scholarships, career exploration, etc. The mentoring sessions also provide time for academic tutoring or homework assistance.
- Does PFAMP provide transportation?
- No, all participants will be required to provide their own transportation.
- What are the benefits to participation?
- ServScript credit is awarded for participation. Mentors gain knowledge, experience with children and tutoring, and make a difference in a child’s academic and emotional/social life.
For more information about the Presidents’ Focus on Achievement Mentoring Program, contact Leandra Ramos at 645-6981 or at lmramos@admin.fsu.edu.