SpringBoard Mentor Program

The SBISD SpringBoard Mentor program is the umbrella program for community-supported mentor programs throughout Spring Branch ISD. The program is grounded in extensive research affirming that all children and young adults benefit from the consistent presence of a caring adult serving as a role model, advocate and friend.

The Model
The SpringBoard Mentor Program model pairs a community partner with a grade level of students in an SBISD school. The community partner and the campus appoint a mentor coordinator to serve as the liaison for communications, programming and planning between the school and the partner group. Students “on the brink of success” self-select for the program with parent permission. Programming kicks off with get-to-know you activities for mentors and student “mentees”, a suspenseful match-event at which time the mentor pairs are announced, and a family event. The SBISD Community Relations Department provides training, support and Mentor U events throughout the year.

The Mentors
Mentors commit to a one-school year time frame and agree to meet with their student once-per-week, on campus, during the school day for 30-60 minutes. Depending upon the grade level and campus, mentors may meet before or after school, during lunch or advisory periods. Mentors do not have to visit the same day or time every week. A logistical plan assures that mentors are well-received, that students are prepared for their visit, and that communication lines are always open. A dedicated campus email address allows mentors to stay in weekly contact when their schedule does not permit a weekly visit.

Project Jumpstart
Project Jumpstart is a U.S. Dept. of Education Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools Grant awarded to the Community Relations Department to support the SpringBoard Mentor Program from 2008-2011. The award strengthened and grew the program by more than 150 new matches annually for 2 years in grades 4-8. Grant monies funded updated marketing materials, campus supplies, program supplies, support staff and personnel, field trips, program opportunities, mentor training, staff training, and outreach. The final year’s funding allows us to track mentees’ grades, attendance, and participants’ self identified social and emotional growth through March 31, 2011.

The Results
In a May, 2009, Project Jumpstart mentee survey 70% of mentored students reported increasing their number of developmental assests. More than 60% of these students demostrated imporvement in their core academic subjects as measured by grade point averages. Comments like, "My mentor helps me to make better choices" confirms the positive impact that mentoring makes on our youth.

Our Partners
Currently over three dozen partner organizations support mentoring in Spring Branch ISD.

Our Supporter
Mentoring in Spring Branch ISD is generously supported by the Spring Branch Education Foundation. Funding supports a mentor specialist, special events, training and materials.

Getting Started
For more information about how you can become a SpringBoard Mentor and Jumpstart a child’s life, please contact the SBISD Community Relations Department at 713.464.1511, ext 2286 or partner@springbranchisd.com . Ask for DeDe Springer, Mentor Coordinator, or Monica Creixell, SBISD Mentor Specialist.