Become a Mentor
 With support and guidance from an individual like you, 
 the ambition, the passion, and the drive to succeed
 can be awakened and fortified in one of our Take
 Stock in Children students. If you can become a 
 mentor and provide an hour a week of your time with a
 student at his or her school, we will provide that
 student a 4-year tuition college scholarship. 

What is a Mentor?
Not all heroes have to rush into burning buildings to rescue victims - many save individual lives in a quieter way. They become mentors. As a mentor, you will have the power to give children an adult friend they can trust - someone who will listen to their hopes, fears and problems. Many times this relationship alters the course of a young person's life.

What Do Mentors Do?
Motivate, encourage, advise, coach, listen, tutor, guide. Mentors show students that someone cares about them - about their well-being, goals, and dreams for the future. Mentors helps students establish a positive outlook and stable personal relationships, develop life skills, set career and life goals, improve interpersonal skills and increase self-esteem. Mentors help young people succeed in school and in life by sharing their experience and talents.

Who Can Be A Mentor?
Any responsible, caring adult who is willing to contribute an hour a week to meet with a student can be a mentor. Prospective mentors must also be a resident of Collier or Lee County for the past two or more years and willing to undergo a criminal background screening. 

Where and When Will I Mentor?

School Based. You will meet with your student on school grounds, at a time that is convenient to both the student and you.

Weekly. You will meet with your student for one hour every week. If your schedule doesn't allow you to make a weekly commitment, you can co-mentor with another individual and see your student every other week.

How Will I Know What To Do?

Training. You will receive a mentor handbook containing all the information you need to get started as well as continuous training opportunities on issues that affect today's children. 

Support Network. As a mentor, you will be integrated into an effective student success team to help coordinate services for your student. A student advocate on staff with The Education Foundation will work in partnership with you to help you with any needs you or your student may have. In addition, community volunteers from various social services agencies are on call if any serious issues should arise.

Online Assistance. You will receive a monthly mentor bulletin via e-mail that contains valuable activities and information to help you steer your student in the right direction.

The Power of Mentoring
Studies show that mentoring is one of the most powerful forces in education. A young person who meets regularly with a mentor is 52% less likely to drop out of school and 46% less likely to use drugs.

How Can I Become a Mentor?
To become a Take Stock in Children mentor to a Collier County student, simply click here or below to download a mentor application. You can return your completed application (including a copy of your driver's license) by mail to: The Education Foundation of Collier County, 3606 Enterprise Avenue, Suite 150, Naples, FL  34104  l  Or via fax to 239-643-4799  l  Or via email to KeniaVelez@EducationForCollier.org.  Once we receive your completed application, we will contact you with further instructions.

Download a Take Stock in Children Mentor Application.