Need to Know:

What: The mission of the FCPS MentorWorks program is to connect every student to a caring, responsible adult.  A mentor is interested in giving one-to-one time to a student; encouraging them to develop their strengths and capabilities.

Why: Quality mentoring programs have been shown to impact students socially, emotionally, and academically resulting in healthier happier citizens.

Time Commitment:  Mentors meet with their students once a week for 30 minutes (with some flexibility).  Partners are asked to support a full school year; ideally supporting mentoring from September/October until June. If beginning after November 15, we ask for a commitment for the following school year. 

Where: Mentors are placed in a school near where they work or live.  They meet on school grounds when FCPS staff is present**. 

**While schools are closed to visitors due to COVID-19:  Mentors may connect with their mentees VIRTUALLY (with some limitations that can vary by school).  When schools RE-OPEN to visitors, the expectation is that ALL mentors will resume meetings with their mentee on school grounds during the school day.  In most cases, VIRTUAL meetings can continue as an add-on option.
 

Requirements

Business and Community Group: Must have the capacity to establish and support a mentoring team of 10 volunteers or impact 10 or more students through mentoring.  

CEO-VP Commitment: Because mentoring is a one-to-one program and because FCPS will work with each mentor individually, CEO-VP commitment is not required.  However, it's always recommended. CEO-VP levels of commitment can be beneficial as the Return on Investment (ROI) for employees engaged in a partnership (especially a team-based mentoring program) is very high. Employee retention, leadership training, networking, and intrinsic value are identifiable returns.

To establish an Ignite Partnership (10+ mentors required or support of 10+ students) contact Jay Garant, 571-423-1225.

To mentor as an individual, please refer to the  Mentor Onboarding Process form or contact Martha Macdonald.    

Additional Information for Community Business Partners and Mentors