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.

The Results
In a May, 2008, mentee survey answered by more than 300 students, 96% of students “mentees” affirmed that they had benefited from having a mentor. Ninety-three percent affirmed that they were more focused on school as a result of their mentor relationship. A similar percentage said they had grown in their ability to communicate with adults.

Our Partners
As of June, 2008, over two 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.

Project Jumpstart
In April, 2008, SBISD was awarded a three year $583,084 grant from the US Department of Education, Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. The grant will help SBISD grow and nurture our SpringBoard Mentoring Program so that 1000 mentors and mentees are working together for student success by 2011. Funding will support new SpringBoard mentor matches in grades 4-8 developed during the 2008-2011 time frame. Grant funding enables the hiring of a full-time coordinator and administrative assistant to provide program leadership and support for the 20+ campuses served. It also provides funding for stipends for Project Jumpstart campus coordinators, and funds expanded training, recruitment and marketing efforts. It also provides a small budget for campus mentor-program related activities and materials as well as field trips for groups of mentors and mentees each year. For more information, contact DeDe Springer, Project Jumpstart Coordinator, at 713.464.1511, ext 2286, or at partner@springbranchisd.com

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, Project Jumpstart Coordinator, or Monica Creixell, SBISD Mentor Specialist

Read About Wyn Norris, Golden Dome Alliance Mentor Coordinator
and Mayor’s Volunteer Award Winner

Read about the A&M Alumni Club mentoring program at Treasure Forest Elementary