Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the total time commitment of the mentors?
We ask that a mentor spend one on one, once a week, for one year with the mentee.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for the mentor?
We are looking for loving, caring adults who are willing to spend time with one child for one year to help change their life. Generally, mentors are at least 18 years of age.

3. What is the time commitment outside of the required one-to-one weekly time commitment with the mentee?
There will occasionally be group activity opportunities for mentors and mentees to enjoy the fellowship of other Rise Up! matches. Rise Up! will coordinate group activities with little or at no expense to the mentor or mentee.

4. Where do I meet with the child I mentor?
Meetings may be in his or her home, your home, school, or pre-selected community sites, such as the library, ball park, skating rink, museum, movies, shopping, church, etc.

5. What type of support and assistance will the mentor have?
Each mentor will be supported and assisted by Rise Up! at least once a month or more as needed.  Mentors will have the opportunity to attend quarterly mentor enrichment activities.

6. What insurance coverage is necessary? What, if any, are the liability issues?
Rise Up! provides liability insurance coverage for all mentors and volunteers.

7. How are the mentors prescreened?
Mentors are prescreened by Rise Up! via reference checks, criminal background checks and face-to-face interviews. You are then matched with a child based on the interests of both the child and the Mentor.

8. Are there cross-gender matches?
In general we do not have cross-gender matches. The only exception is when a married couple chooses to mentor a single child. We never match a male mentor with female mentee.

9. What types of activities do the mentor and mentee participate in on a normal basis?
The first rule of any relationship is to HAVE FUN! But in addition to having fun together, you and your child can:

• Discuss positive career and life experiences
• Exchange thoughts and observations about experiences in the workplace
• Engage in activities that support your mentee’s educational goals
• Participate in group recreational activities and events
• Come up with activities on your own that are based on your mutual interests.

10. What type of training is provided?
Once you have been interviewed and your paperwork processed, a two-hour mandatory mentor training session is required. On-going training and support will also be provided.

11. How can I sign up to be a Rise Up! Mentor?
If you would like to be a mentor, please click here.

12. What difference can one-to-one mentoring make?
National research has shown that mentoring works to break the cycle of low achievement and delinquent behavior among high-risk youth. Specifically, youth mentored:

• Are 52% less likely to skip school;
• 46% less likely to begin using drugs;
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol;
• 33% less likely to engage in violent behavior when compared to similar at-risk youth;
• Show measurable and sustained improvements in school performance; and confidence and relationships with peers and adults.

Research demonstrates that mentoring works to break the cycle of low achievement and delinquent behavior among high-risk youth.