College Scholar Resources.

YOUR ON-CAMPUS SUPPORT NETWORK

Your first year in college can be a whirlwind. It can be difficult to know where to go to seek resources and answers to your questions, or where to find a community, activities and opportunities.

Scholars are mentees while they are in their first year of college. They are matched with peer mentors either at their college or university, or at a similar institution in the same region, who are sophomores, juniors or seniors. By building relationships with other Scholars across class years, first-year Scholars can build a community and gain access to new information and support.

MENTEES ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Meet with their mentor at least once per month during the school year
• Be responsive and communicative with their mentor
• Be proactive and reach out to their mentor for support when needed
• Complete short monthly evaluations to provide feedback on meetings with their mentors
• Be committed – by signing up for the program, mentees are expected to utilize the resources offered to them and be active in the program throughout the school year

PROGRAM TIMELINE:

May: Rising college freshmen can sign up for a peer mentor through Team Lift

June/July: Team Lift recruits mentors, and matches mentors with mentees

August: Mentees are introduced to their assigned mentor

August through May: Mentors meet with mentees once per month to check-in, offer guidance and support, and ensure mentees are having a great first year of college

CONTACT TEAMLIFT@CHICAGOSCHOLARS.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Application now open! Click here to apply.

REACH BACK AND GROW AS A LEADER

You remember your first year of college – it was exciting, fun and tough, and a bit overwhelming at times, too. If you are a sophomore, junior or senior in college, reach back to help a Scholar just starting their college journey for the first time.

Peer Mentors undergo training in order to coach their mentees through the academic & social challenges they may face during their first year of college. Peer Mentors are leaders on their campuses and passionate about providing support and guidance for the newest members of the Chicago Scholars family.

Peer Mentors make a one-year commitment to the program, but many decide to continue as Peer Mentors for their entire college career. Their role is key in helping to maintain personal connections to Scholars on campus. They serve as student liaisons and keep staff informed about campus challenges that may impact a Scholar’s ability to successfully persist and graduate from college.

PEER MENTORS ARE EXPECTED TO:

• Serve as a positive role model and resource for up to five college freshman mentees, either at their college or university or on another institution in the same region.
• Meet with their group of mentees at least once per month throughout the school year
• Participate in summer training
• Complete monthly evaluations to notify Team Lift of any challenges, concerns, or successes
• Commit approximately 3-4 hours per month to the role
• Mentors have access to funds to spend on outings and events with their mentees

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Rising sophomore, junior, senior, or 5+ year senior
• In good academic standing, 2.5 GPA and above preferred
• Enrolled at their college/university for the entire academic year
• Good interpersonal and communication skills; excellent time management skills; interest in building leadership skills
• Excellent follow-through and responsiveness – mentors must be able to commit to supporting five mentees throughout the entire school year

PROGRAM TIMELINE:

June: Scholars apply to be peer mentors; Team Lift reviews applications, selects mentors, and notifies mentors

July: Mentors are matched with mentees and notified if they will serve as an on-campus mentor, or virtual mentor

August: Mentors introduce themselves to mentees

August through May: Mentors meet with mentees once per month to check-in, offer guidance and support, and ensure mentees are having a great first year of college

CONTACT TEAMLIFT@CHICAGOSCHOLARS.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.