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Mentors Make a Difference at WYMLA
The mission of the Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy One-on-One Mentoring Program is to establish supportive relationships between adults and students to:
- broaden students’ visions of their future
- help students reach their fullest academic, physical, emotional and social potential
Program Components
Mentoring – The one-on-one relationship is the fundamental component of the program. The mentor exposes the child to new experiences while also helping the student pursue his interests and talents.
Advocacy – Mentors support their mentees by working within the school and community to develop and utilize resources that support the student’s success.
About our Mentees
Students selected for a mentoring relationship embody the following characteristics:
Areas of Strength
- Shows signs of emerging moral and ethical development
- Actively seeks adult role models
- Interacts well with peers and has a desire for positive peer group bonding
- Wants to succeed
- Presence or potential for hard work ethic
- Internal locus of control
- Ability to delay gratification
- Ability to see cause and effect relationships
- Shows moderate to high academic potential, but may be struggling
Areas of Need
- Lack of enrichment opportunities
- Restricted vision of potential and possibilities for life, by virtue of own life experiences or of those around him
- Limited view of the future
- Challenged self esteem
- Feels lack of power and/or control
What we look for in Mentors
- Volunteers in the community
- Age 21 or older
- Commit one hour per week, for at least a year
- Express desire to help mentee develop vital skills
Suggested communication between mentors and mentees
- Student-weekly 30-60 minute meeting
- Family-weekly check in via phone or e-mail
- School staff- weekly check in via phone or e-mail
Want to get involved?
Fill out our WYMLA Mentor Interest Form to indicate your interest and tell us a little bit about yourself. We will get in touch with you via e-mail.