Make a difference in a child's life. Be a mentor!
Thank you for your interest in Seedling’s Promise Mentoring Program. Seedling's Promise is a school-based mentoring program for children whose parents are in prison.
FACT:
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2.4 million American children have a parent behind bars today. |
| FACT: |
7 million, or 1 in 10 of the nation’s children, have a parent under criminal justice supervision-in jail or in prison, on probation, or on parole. |
| FACT: |
CHILDREN OF PRISONERS ARE MORE LIKELY THAN THEIR PEERS TO BE INCARCERATED, MANY BEFORE REACHING THE AGE OF 18.
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Research informs us that children, even those living in very high risk situations, demonstrate resiliency under the following circumstances:
- When they complete their education;
- When they are involved in a faith community; and
- When there are caring and consistent adults in their lives.
You could be that positive role model.
Mentors have been the reason that a child decides to go to school instead of skipping and getting into trouble. They’ve been the reason children have taken an interest in music or art or sports.
As a mentor, you could be the difference between a life wasted and a life realized.
And you have the power to help that life find its promise.
HOW IT WORKS
Mentors meet with their students once a week from 30-45 minutes at the child’s school, typically during the student’s lunch break. Depending on the child’s age, a mentor might color with a child, read to the child, create a craft, play basketball, or have a conversation with the child. The choices are limitless, and because of the way that our program is structured, mentors never feel like they’re “alone.”
Our program provides ongoing support to mentors both in individual settings and group settings. Individual support is only a phone call or email away, as every mentor has a Seedling staff member to contact. We also provide mentor support luncheons, informational newsletters, and diverse training opportunities. Also, because our mentoring program is school-based, mentors have the support of professional school staff.
WHAT NEXT?
Most schools in Austin ISD sponsor some sort of school-based mentor program - managed by the Counselor, Parent Support Specialist or other AISD staff. Mentors can be matched with students from pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 and locations are available across Austin.
Before becoming a mentor, you will need to:
- Pass a Safe Schools background check.
- Attend a one hour mentor training.
Volunteer Commitment:
- Mentors are matched with one student for one academic year.
- Mentors meet once a week for 30-45 minutes at their student's school.
Ongoing Support:
- Monthly newsletters (Mentor Minutes) and Mentor University with discussion tips, activities and holiday notification.
- Development meetings to learn more about specific topics from experts.
- Support meetings to discuss experiences with mentors from across the district.
Selecting a School
You may learn more about the schools we are in by clicking on a school listed below. If you are still uncertain about which school you would like to mentor at, please select "Advise" in the drop-down menu when you complete your mentor application. Once your background check clears, a staff member will contact you and help you decide on a school.
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Austin ISD
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Pflugerville ISD
Round Rock ISD
Georgetown ISD
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