Orientation

Prospective AmeriCorps FYMP mentors will be provided with extensive training and be interviewed one-on-one by program staff in order to determine eligibility and to make an appropriate match between the goals and objectives of the Foster Youth Mentoring Project and the interests of prospective mentors.  Additionally, all prospective mentors will undergo a background check, Tuberculosis (TB) screening and be fingerprinted.

Mentor Training

AmeriCorps FYMP members will receive pre-service and on-going mentor trainings in order to obtain the necessary skills, abilities and knowledge to be effective mentors to the foster youth.  Trainings will be primarily provided through enrollment in Human Development 260:  Mentoring Adolescents I, for the Spring 2005 semester and Mentoring Adolescents II for the Fall semester.  The ongoing trainings will provide opportunities to reflect on progress, discuss the mentoring experience and address any issues and concerns.

Community Service

Additionally, the mentors/mentees will participate in local community service projects and recruit local community volunteers, including other foster youth, to participate in these projects.  Participation in two career/job fairs during the program year will engage the selected college mentors, the participating foster youth and additional volunteers and provide further opportunities for community service.

Educational Stipend

At the conclusion of the member's commitment, mentors will receive an educational stipend of $1,250, which they will be able to access for up to seven years to pay for educational expenses.  The required term of service is 450 hours throughout the program year.