Mentoring and RAMP Up: Frequently Asked Questions

	Interested in becoming a mentor? Please fill out and email us the application below and we will contact you to schedule an interview. RAMP Up Application (36 KB) Need more info? Contact RAMP UP at (646) 943-8779.

What is RAMP UP?

RAMP Up is a traditional one-on-one site based-mentoring program. RAMP Up volunteers are matched with a 4th-8th grade student attending an elementary or middle school in the Bronx, Brooklyn or Manhattan.

What is a Mentor?

A "mentor" is a wise and trusted counselor, a role model, and a friend to a young person in need of support and guidance. Mentors expose young people to experiences outside of their communities and expand their sense of future possibility. A mentor can help improve a child’s attitude toward school and education, his/her relationship with family and peers, and his/her self-esteem and confidence.

Who can serve as a RAMP Up mentor?

RAMP Up recruits volunteers from the New York City community, including high school and college students and professionals.
Adult mentors must be over the age of 18 and able to pass our screening process (described below). Peer mentors must be over the age of 16 and provide two adult references.

What is the time commitment for a RAMP Up mentor?

Mentors commit to meeting with students for at least 4 hours per month for at least one year. Meetings take place at the participating schools, during the after-school hours.

Must mentors and kids meet at the school?

Yes. All meetings will take place at the school. The only exceptions are twice yearly group outings.

Who are the young people in the program?

The RAMP Up program is open to all students enrolled in 4th through 8th grade at the four participating after-school programs. Students are referred to the program by teachers, counselors, parents, and after-school site coordinators. Many of our students have reading test scores below the citywide average; fewer than half complete high school; and only slightly more than 5% go on to college. Our young people have diverse needs, but all need someone to expose them to available opportunities, support and services.

What is the mentor screening process?

• Written application
• Personal interview
• Reference and criminal history checks
• Pre-training session

How does mentoring benefit a young person?

• By helping a young person, who may be at risk, share dreams or experiences with a caring adult
• By helping a young person build skills, confidence and self-esteem
• By helping a young person make positive connections with school and community

How can I benefit from mentoring?

• By making a difference in your community
• By sharing your experiences with a young person who is curious about life
• By learning from a young person with a different background and perspective from your own
• By networking with other mentors
• By participating in professional development opportunities offered by TASC, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Mentoring Partnership

How do I know that RAMP Up is a safe, quality program?

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. Through appropriate policies and procedures, professional staff supervises these 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) 943-8779.