Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

School is back in session, and hundreds of Spring Branch ISD students are eager to talk about the joys and the challenges with a mentor!

Could that be you? Do you have a sliver of time each week to invest in a student’s life?

Spring Branch ISD coordinates two main mentoring programs in the district, SpringBoard and Collegiate Challenge. The district is seeking community members and business partners to serve as mentors.

SpringBoard

More than 400 volunteers in the award-winning SpringBoard Mentoring Program have stepped up to the plate to be a consistent friend to their mentees. They meet once a week during the lunch period in designated areas (away from the noisy cafeteria!) at more than 30 SBISD campuses.

During their time together, mentors and mentees meet one-on-one to discuss the happenings of the previous week. Many find that working on projects, playing educational games, reading together, drawing and other activities serve as vehicles for conversation. As the relationship grows, the mentees often feel comfortable asking for advice from their unique, non-judgmental friend they have come to trust.

“I have a good experience with my mentor this year because she has been here a lot to give me advice and share experiences,” said a high school mentee on a recent survey.

Mentors in the SpringBoard program commit to serve one school year, but most in this program advance from grade to grade with their mentees to help them with transitions of school and life!

“It is so rewarding watching her mature into a young lady!” proclaimed a mentor who followed her mentee from elementary school through graduation. She and her mentee, who is attending college, continue to stay in touch.

It is an easy three-step process to become a SpringBoard mentor:

1. Submit a mentor application/background check here.
2. Once your application is cleared, sign up for a one-time training here.
3. Once these two steps are completed, you will be matched with a same gender student at the campus of your choice.

You are Not Alone: A mentor program coordinator (in place at each participating campus) will introduce you to your student, show you where to meet, and is available for questions throughout the year.

Also, optional workshops, called Mentor U’s, are held three times a year on topics to help mentors learn strategies to better serve their mentees. 

Collegiate Challenge

This program matches mentors with juniors and seniors who want to get to college but don’t always have the guidance at home to achieve this goal.

Once cleared and trained, mentors meet with mentees 1.5 hours per week to assist with career and college exploration, preparing college application essays and resumes, keeping the college application processes on track, financial aid, and most importantly, provide a listening ear when the stresses of school and life seem overwhelming.

“The program really helped me get on top of my college agenda and served as a hub for scholarship opportunities,” said a 2019 graduate from Spring Woods High School.

All SBISD high schools have the Collegiate Challenge mentoring program available for college-focused juniors and seniors. Check here to see the meeting schedules for each campus.

To become a Collegiate Challenge mentor:

1. Submit a mentor application/background check here.
2. Once cleared, contact Mary Pizana for information about the next Collegiate Challenge mentor training.
3. Once completed, you can begin mentoring at the high school of your choice.

Once cleared, contact Mary Pizana for information about the next Collegiate Challenge mentor training.

Guiding students through the steps needed to become the educated workforce of tomorrow is a rewarding experience for the mentors and students alike. As one student put it:

“Thank you so much for helping me with my whole college process. I know it wasn't always easy, but y'all really worked hard to help us.”

For more information about SpringBoard or Collegiate Challenge mentoring, please contact mentor@springbranchisd.com.

By Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications

becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com