Volunteer as a School-Based Mentor with the SMILES Program

The following is from United Way of Greater New Bedford. Find more volunteer opportunities using VolunteerSouthCoast.org.

Description

SMILES connects caring adults with students to encourage and help them thrive both in and out of the classroom. The mission of SMILES is to help children realize their personal and educational potential through a large scale one-to-one mentoring program. A SMILES facilitator leads the group of one-to-one matches for an hour each week through activities designed to help build healthy relationships.

Mentor Commitment
One school year (September - June), open enrollment until February
One hour per week
Option to continue mentoring the same child is given to the mentor at the end of the first year.

Additional Details

- 18 and older
- Is Not Family-Friendly
- Is Not Outdoors
- Is Wheelchair Accessible
- Activities & Facilitator provided
- Multiple locations & times available

Shifts

Tuesday, February 25, from 8 to 9 am
Wednesday, February 26, from 8 to 9 am
Thursday, February 27, from 8 to 9 am
Friday, February 28, from 8 to 9 am
Monday, March 2, from 8 to 9 am

88% of mentees report that “because of my relationship with my mentor I feel like there are people who will help me out if I need it.”
92.0% report that having a mentor has given them a more positive view of their future.
60% of our literacy-based mentoring students have increased their reading level after just one year.
On average, GPA of SMILES mentees went up from 2.17 to 2.27

For more information about this volunteer opportunity, please click HERE.

Across Southeastern Massachusetts, non-profit organizations rely on volunteers to build a stronger community and transform neighborhoods.

Source: Volunteer as a School-Based Mentor with the SMILES Program