Post Secondary/College Student Mentor- 2024-2025

Title: Post Secondary Mentor

Department: Alumni Services

Supervisor: Director of College & Career Success

Works With: Alumni of SBU ages 18-24

Description:

South Bronx United (SBU) is a sports-based youth development organization that uses soccer as a tool for social change. Its mission is to prepare youth to succeed in high school, college, careers, their community and beyond. SBU serves more than 1,400 young people annually through programming on the field and in the classroom, including academic enrichment and tutoring, college prep, mentoring, leadership development, health and wellness, immigration legal services, and other individual and family support.

Post Secondary Success Mentors will be matched to an alumni of the South Bronx United's Academy program. These young adults will range in age from 18 to 24 and be enrolled in college or university. Mentors would support these young adults through their post-secondary journey, such as reviewing their syllabuses, creating a study plan, checking on their social and emotional needs and selecting their classes for the next semester. Mentors will communicate with the mentee through email, phone calls, and in-person meetings. Mentors should be open to building a relationship with their mentee and be a positive role model.

Time Commitment:

Mentors and mentees are expected to meet at least once a month , either in person or on video call. The pairs can communicate beyond the monthly commitment. Mentors will log their communication and update staff on student progress.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Complete an intake at the beginning of the mentorship to learn more about the mentee.
• Track outcomes and goals throughout the academic year in our tracking system
• Commitment to monthly meetings with the mentee to discuss their progress and goals for the semester
• Encourage goal setting and social emotional growth with the mentee
• Inform SBU staff if mentee is unresponsive

Desired qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for working with young adults aged 18-24
• College experience and/or degree required. First generation college students are welcome to apply!
• Ability to commit to monthly meetings with mentee and quarterly training with other mentors
• Interpersonal skills such as empathy, active listening, cultural awareness, sensitivity and adaptability
• Enthusiasm with the mission of South Bronx United and the South Bronx community

Please note that this is a volunteer position.

Training:

Mentors will attend hybrid training at the beginning of the semester cycle and be invited to events to socialize with other mentors/their mentees.

Benefits:

Volunteering as a mentor in the SBU Academy offers numerous benefits, including personal fulfillment, opportunities for personal and professional growth, networking with like-minded individuals, and the possibility of counting volunteer hours towards school service or academic requirements. By supporting under-served students in their educational journey, mentors make a positive impact while also gaining valuable skills and experiences.