Seeds of Independence has joined with Freeport, Brunswick and Mt. Ararat High Schools to provide a mentoring program at each of the schools. The purpose of the programs is to help freshmen adjust to the many challenges facing them as they negotiate their first year of high school. The challenges to be addressed are social, academic and behavioral.
Each participating freshman is paired with a junior or senior who has agreed to participate in the program as a mentor. The mentor is expected to touch base with their freshman mentee at least once a day during the school week to determine if the freshman needs any assistance with anything bearing on his or her school experience. In addition, once a week all mentors and mentees participate in a group session with a facilitator to discuss common problems. The subjects covered include but are not limited to: academics, drugs, alcohol, family, peer pressure, bullying, sex, internet use, general safety issues, and honesty and trust issues. The sessions last the entire school year.
All mentors must be passing all subjects and cannot be in trouble with the school or the law. Mentor responsibilities include connecting with the assigned freshman, checking in at least once daily, assisting the mentee when and where appropriate, and generally serving as a good roll model and advocate. All upper class mentors are volunteers and receive mentor training from SoI facilitators.
The group sessions are facilitated by an adult volunteer from Seeds of Independence. Usually a female facilitates the girls’ group and a male the boys’ group. Facilitators are expected to lead the weekly discussions primarily by designating the subject and asking questions, hence stimulating discussion. Facilitators are not expected to lecture on subjects or, for that matter, be particularly judgmental, although your questions can suggest a thought. Experience has demonstrated that upper classmen are quite articulate and very thoughtful on most issues. Consideration can also be given to inviting a guest speaker on appropriate subjects such as nutrition or internet safety.