Home SAS High School For Prospective and Current Mentors

For Prospective and Current Mentors

Prospective_Mentor_2_2011

A mentor in the Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS) Program is a supportive adult who serves as a role model, friend, and guide to one college-bound high school student.  Mentors strive to expand opportunities for students by exposing them to new social, cultural, and educational experiences. Each mentor is matched with an individual SAS student and asked to commit to that student through at least the critical first year of college. Mentors are an integral part of our students' success. 

For Prospective Mentors

Prospective_Mentor_2011

If you share our commitment to education and to leveling the playing field for all students, we invite you mentor one of our promising high school students. We actively seek college graduates from diverse personal and professional backgrounds who believe in the power of education. Our mentors must be willing to commit to working with one student through at least his or her first year of college. Mentors also:

  • Meet with their student at least once a month;
  • Stay in touch weekly with their mentee via telephone and email communication; and 
  • Regularly communicate with Sponsor-A-Scholar Program staff and attend program activities and events.

State Law Requirements  

To ensure the safety of our students, state law requires that all prospective mentors participate in a state-certified child abuse and criminal record check. Philadelphia Futures provides the necessary forms, submits the materials, and covers the cost of the certification process. Mentors are not matched with students until certifications are received.

   

Apply to Become a Mentor

If you or someone you know would like to become a mentor, we invite you to complete our Mentor Application, along with a Child Abuse Clearance, Child Abuse Clearance Waiver and a Criminal Record Check.  Return the materials to Philadelphia Futures via mail, email or fax.

Once we receive your materials, we will contact you to schedule an orientation session for prospective mentors. The session, held at our Center City office, is followed by an individual interview to learn more about you and your interest in mentoring.

If you have questions prior to submitting your application, or if you wish to receive a hard copy via direct mail, please contact Stephanie Wenger, Director of Donor and Volunteer Services, by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 420.

   

Mentor Activity Ideas and Resources

What activities might you and your student enjoy? Try one of these ideas: Read a book together and discuss it... Join the Philadelphia Futures Book Club... Play chess... Go to a movie... Go for a walk... Go on a hike... Cook a meal together... Visit a college campus... Do homework together... Browse through a book store... Visit a museum... Go to a concert... Go to a play... Go fishing... Share music... Take a class together... Volunteer together... Take your student to your workplace... Meet each other's families... Go to a sporting event... Go horseback riding... Go sightseeing... Play a board game... Attend a free lecture.

For more recommendations about activities you can share together, access Local Adventures for Mentors and Their Students. For additional ideas, refer to the SAS Spotlight newsletter, mailed monthly. If you are a current mentor and have an activity you would like to share, please contact Stephanie Wenger, Director of Donor and Volunteer Services, by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or telephone at 215.790.1666, Ext. 420.