MENTORING PROGRAM PARTNERS
The following organizations are partners for HILT Mentoring. Please review the information below to learn more about each organization, the student population they serve, and how each program works to offer mentorship to local students.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
The mission of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) is to build pathways into high-demand Washington careers for Washington students. In addition to financial aid, Opportunity Scholars receive a continuum of support services throughout their academic journey to help set them up for successful persistence to graduation, improve their job readiness skills and launch their career in Washington state. WSOS offers mentorship opportunities for two of its three Scholarship programs
Third-year Baccalaureate Scholars pursue bachelor’s degrees in STEM and healthcare and are invited to select industry professionals from a variety of fields as mentors. Each pairing meets monthly from October to May.
Career and Technical Scholars pursue certificates, apprenticeships or associate degrees in STEM, healthcare, or trades. They can participate in one of the two annual cycles of our industry mentorship program where they meet with their mentor once a month over a three-month period.
During the WSOS mentorship programs, Scholars connect with their mentors to build confidence in their networking and interview skills, refine their resumes and cover letters and benefit from their mentor’s professional experiences. Mentors are provided with resources and support throughout the mentorship cycle.
Audience: Washington students over the age of 18 who are pursuing credentials in STEM, healthcare, and trades who meet specific income requirements.
Format: One mentor works with one mentee (1:1).
Meeting Location(s): Currently, Scholars and their mentors meet virtually. We will adapt and resume in-person meetings in line with guidelines from the CDC and local agencies.
Time Commitment: A minimum of four hours for Career & Technical Scholars; six to eight hours for Baccalaureate Scholars
Duration:
Baccalaureate Scholars: Annually, October-April (seven months)
Career & Technical Scholars: Three months each cycle (October-December, April-June)
Requirements: A mentoring interest form, a mentoring agreement that outlines the age requirements, confidentiality, release of information to share with employers, and a photo/video release
Number of Mentors Needed: TBD
If you have any questions, contact us at development@waopportunityscholarship.org.
Everett Career Link
Everett Career Link is a partnership between Everett Public Schools, Snohomish STEM, the City of Everett, and regional employers designed to offer students the opportunity to "learn before they earn" by showing what it is like to work in a specific job environment and provide high school credit to students. High school mentorships and other career exploratory experiences support the vitality of the region by providing students with information on pathways to fulfilling careers, while at the same time providing employers the opportunity to address workforce needs by working with potential future employees.
A mentor with Everett Career Link will work with a small group of 3-4 students to answer an industry-specific driving question that will be determined by the mentor and teacher at the beginning of the program. The teacher will also attend the weekly, one-hour mentor meetings to help facilitate conversation. Days/times are flexible, but we would like a commitment to the 5 weeks of the program.
Audience: 9th- or 10th-grade high school students
Format: One mentor works with 3-4 mentees (1:3 or 1:4)
Meeting Location(s): Virtual
Time Commitment: A minimum of 5 hours (one 60-minute weekly meeting typically on a Tuesday or Wednesday). Timing is determined by the mentor.
Duration: July through early August
Requirements: Complete a short mentor application and background check
Number of mentors requested: 3-4
Communities In Schools of Kent
Communities In Schools of Kent administers a mentoring program in partnership with the Kent School District where they recruit, train, and place mentors in schools. In-depth training includes activity ideas, safety information for mentors and students, school district policy, an overview of learning styles, and appropriate conversation topics for various age groups. This service is a personal one-on-one relationship with a caring adult from the community. It is school-based, meaning all contact takes place at school during the school day. This means the students relate all the positives of this mentoring relationship to school. Studies have shown that students who have a mentor do well in school and have a higher chance of succeeding due to increased accountability and individualized support.
Audience: High school students in the Kent School District. Kent has a student population of 25,000 students including a wide representation of racial, ethnic, religious, and immigrant communities. Approximately two-thirds of Kent students are BIPOC youth and 56% of students are low-income.
Format: One mentor works with one mentee (1:1)
Meeting Location(s): Virtual and/or school-based mentoring at Kent-Meridian High School, Kentlake High School, Kentridge High School, and/or Kentwood High School
Time Commitment: Weekly during the student’s lunch period, 30-45 minutes
Duration: September- June
Requirements: Must pass a school district background check and attend 1-hour volunteer orientation and training
Number of Mentors Needed: TBD
Communities in Schools of Lakewood
Communities In Schools of Lakewood is dedicated to empowering students to stay in school and on a path to a brighter future. Working directly inside four schools in Clover Park School District, we connect kids to caring adults and community resources designed to help them succeed. Communities In Schools of Lakewood administer a mentoring program in partnership with the Clover Park School District. Communities In Schools of Lakewood recruits, trains, and places mentors in schools, connecting students with caring adults who believe in their future.
Audience: High school students at Clover Park High School. Clover Park High School is a diverse learning community where students develop knowledge, perseverance, and skills to become lifelong learners focused on serving and leading in a global society. Approximately 83% of Clover Park students are BIPOC youth and 81% of students are low-income.
Format: One mentor works with one mentee (1:1)
Meeting Location(s): School-based mentoring at Clover Park High School in Lakewood, WA
Time Commitment: Once a week during the student’s lunch period, 30-45 minutes
Duration: September-June
Requirements: Pass a school district background check and attend 2-hour volunteer and training
Number of Mentors Needed: TBD
Communities in Schools of Tacoma
Communities in Schools of Tacoma works directly in 36 schools in Tacoma. Our evidence-based model connects students to caring adults and community resources to transform how they see and experience the world around them. By surrounding them with a network of trust they can turn to no matter where they are in their journey, we empower students to confront and overcome personal challenges and structural barriers—so they can take charge of the future they want for themselves, their communities, and each other. Communities In Schools of Tacoma administer a mentoring program in partnership with the Tacoma School District. Communities In Schools of Tacoma recruits, trains, and places mentors in schools, connecting students with caring adults.
Audience: High school students at Mount Tahoma High School and Oakland High Schools in Tacoma, WA.
At Mount Tahoma, their vision is that education is society’s great equalizer and that ALL students will leave Mt. Tahoma ready for college, career, and civic life. Approximately 80% of Mount Tahoma students are BIPOC youth and 50% of students are low-income.
At Oakland High School, their belief is that all students have the right to a safe, personal and nurturing environment where they can achieve in academics, career preparation, and personal development. As a small school of under 100 students, approximately two-thirds of Oakland students are BIPOC youth and 60% of students are low-income.
Format: One mentor works with one mentee (1:1)
Meeting Location(s): Virtual and or school-based mentoring at Mount Tahoma and Oakland High Schools in Tacoma, WA
Time Commitment: Twice a week during the student’s lunch period, 30-45 minutes
Duration: September-May
Requirements: Pass a school district background check and attend 1-hour volunteer orientation and training
Number of Mentors Needed: TBD
Communities in Schools of Federal Way-Highline
Communities In Schools of Federal Way-Highline’s mentoring program recruits volunteer mentors from our community and matches them with a student who could benefit from having a consistent, caring adult role model in their life. Mentors support young people through their formative years and provide guidance and encouragement through life’s challenges. Since the start of our school-based volunteer mentoring program in 2006, Communities In Schools of Federal Way has matched over 500 students with a caring adult. While the commitment is only one school year, our average match duration is 3 years, with our longest matches having been together for 7.5 years!
Audience: High school students in the Federal Way and Highline school districts
Federal Way Public Schools believes that each and every scholar has limitless potential and is committed to ensuring that all scholars, of every race, class, linguistic background, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, and other exceptionalities, thrive and achieve at high levels. They engage in anti-racist and inclusionary practices to identify and eliminate the barriers that cause disproportionality. A district of 21,000 students, approximately 80% of Federal Way students are BIPOC youth and 52% are low-income.
Highline Public Schools serves more than 17,500 students grades K-12 in the communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and White Center in Washington State. They are committed to equity in education, high expectations for all and partnering with families and the community to ensure that all children achieve their potential. Approximately 80% of Highline students are BIPOC youth over 70% of students are low-income.
Format: One mentor works with one mentee (1:1)
Meeting Location(s): Virtual and or school-based mentoring at Decatur High School, Federal Way High School, Thomas Jefferson High School, and Todd Beamer High School in Federal Way; and Evergreen High School in Seattle, Highline High School in Burien and Tyee High School in SeaTac.
Time Commitment: Once a week for 1 hour during the school day. We also ask for at least a 1-year commitment to provide consistency for the student.
Duration: September-May
Requirements: Pass a school district background check and attend 1-hour volunteer orientation and training
Number of Mentors Needed: TBD
UW Making Connections
Making Connections provides four years of life-changing, wrap-around academic and enrichment services to 105 high school students and their families. It combines the nuts and bolts of college readiness preparation with career exploration, academic tutoring, personal and professional mentorship, leadership development, ongoing professional enrichment, and a lifelong network of allies comprised of MC alumnae and supporters.
The students who join Making Connections do not follow a checklist; they carve out their unique paths in collaboration with personal champions (their mentors) who customize the program every year based on those students’ dreams, interests, abilities and goals.
Audience: College students and professionals at any stage of their career willing to dedicate 4 to 6 hours a month to mentor/mentee bonding activities, providing student support as they prepare for college, and creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
Format: One mentor works with one mentee to three mentees (1:1 or 1:3)
Meeting Location(s): Virtual and or in-person at the UW Women's Center (UW program staff will attend all mentoring sessions)
Time Commitment: 3-6 hours per month
Duration: September-June. The goal is for mentors to be paired with students for at least 1 academic year, with onboarding starting in August/September.
Requirements: Pass UW’s background check, sign a photo release form and Code of Conduct for Working with Minors form and attend training
Number of Mentors Needed: 15-30