VOLUNTEER HOUSTON Mentoring Institute

What we do
The Mentoring Institute is a placement and training program for adult mentors. Through this program Volunteer Houston and the Houston Independent School District have collaborated to help ensure high school students achieve academic success.

Individuals and groups can attend an information session where they are provided with an introduction to the responsibilities of being a mentor. Potential volunteers are then given an in-depth look at the twenty-three different HISD High Schools where they have the opportunity to mentor a student. Volunteer placements offer a variety of time commitments and activities, as well as one-on-one or group mentoring opportunities. After evaluating individual's personal interests, location, and time commitment, volunteers are matched with a student at one of the schools. All meetings between mentor and student will take place on the school campus.

NOTE: The Mentoring Institute is initiating a summer component at a central Houston high school. Adult mentors will assist with academics, “adopt” an incoming freshman, or simply lend an ear. All mentoring will take place on the high school campus between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. No experience is necessary. Training will be provided. For more information, please contact Laura Meares at 713-964-0205 or lauram@volunteerhouston.org.

The Mentoring Institute's Educational Seminar Series is a very important component of the program. Mentoring Institute seminars are designed to offer ongoing support to mentors. Here they have the opportunity to network with each other as well as learn about different topics that pertain to mentoring children and youth. By attending Mentoring Institute seminars, volunteers gain a greater understanding of the children and youth they mentor; as well as realize they are not alone in some of the challenges they may face.