 |
 |
 |
 |
Interested in becoming a mentor? Please fill out and email us the application form below and we will contact you to schedule an interview. Need more info? Contact RAMP UP at (646) 943-8725. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
A "mentor" is a responsible adult, who establishes a supportive relationship with a young person, providing a positive role model, academic assistance, exposure to new experiences and examples of opportunity that enhance the ability of the child to become a responsible adult.
RAMP UP recruits adult volunteers from the New York City community, including college students and professionals, to be one-to-one mentors to kids from 4th to 8th grade in seven elementary and middle schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem. Mentors meet with kids for eight hours a month for one year. Mentors lead kids through educational and cultural activities and trips defined by the mentors' interests. All RAMP UP pairs of mentors and kids go on group out¬ings twice per year. When influenced by a positive adult role model, every child has the ability to succeed and reach his or her full potential. Mentoring can have a huge impact on kids' ability to achieve their goals. RAMP Up mentors could have an impact on all these aspects of kids' lives:
Our mentors must be over the age of 18 and able to pass our screening process. This includes a criminal background check, a personal interview, reference checks, and pre-match orientation. Mentors must agree to the time requirements of the program (eight hours per month for one year) and have access to transportation to mentoring activities. RAMP UP will pay for mentors to go on trips with kids. Any trustworthy adult from the New York City community can serve as a mentor provided he or she has an open mind, a compassionate heart, and the desire to give back to the community.
The RAMP Up program is open to all students enrolled in 4th through 8th grade at the seven participating after-school programs. Most students are referred to the program by teachers, counselors, parents, and after-school site coordinators. Students in many of these schools have reading test scores below the citywide average. Fewer than half of students in these communities complete high school, and only slightly more than 5% of students go on to colleges. These young people have diverse needs, but all need someone to help show them there are opportunities, supports and services available to help them accomplish their dreams, regardless of any obstacles that stand in their way.
Not necessarily. We understand the personal and professional demands of our volunteers so we have structured our program to accommodate school and work schedules. Mentors can meet with their matches at the young person's school, after school, in the community and on the weekends.
RAMP UP is funded by the U.S Department of Education and follows the established program guidelines for effective practice determined by the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. These guidelines ensure the following: Adequate background checks, application process and interviews are conducted to ensure mentors have the background, commitment and capacity to mentor children. Matches are based on mutual interest and an established time commitment. Meaningful activities form the core of the mentoring relationships. Through appropriate policies and procedures, professional staff supervises mentoring relationships. Ongoing training and support is offered to all participants. The program is rigorously evaluated for continuous improvement.
Need more info? Contact RAMP UP at (646) 943-8725.
