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.