Mentoring is a key component in the success of the Philadelphia Futures Sponsor-A-Scholar (SAS) Program. An SAS mentor is a supportive adult who serves as a role model, friend and guide to a college-bound high school student. Mentors strive to expand opportunities for students by exposing them to new social, cultural, and educational experiences. Each mentor is matched with an individual SAS student, and asked to commit to a five-year relationship with that student, beginning in the ninth grade and continuing at least through the first critical year of college. Mentors are a professionally and racially diverse group, evenly divided between city and suburban residents.
Become a Mentor
“It’s a little bit of time for a whole lot of benefit. If Futures wasn’t there, my students wouldn’t be where he is today. Philadelphia Futures shows kids that they have a shot for better. I can’t level the playing field for him, but I can show him what a level playing field looks like, and I can help him get on the field. Just the view of the field keeps his dreams alive. The job of a mentor is to help make sure that dreams aren’t lost.” — Mentor
Change a Life
If you share our commitment to education and to leveling the playing field for all students, we invite you to become a mentor to a promising, young student. Our mentors will tell you that they often get back much more than they give!
Qualifications
- Mentors must be college graduates with a belief in the power of education.
- Mentors must be willing to commit to a five-year relationship with a student.
Expectations
- Meet with your student at least once a month.
- Stay in touch weekly through telephone calls and e-mail.
- Attend Philadelphia Futures SAS Program activities.
- Be your student’s biggest fan.
State Law Requirements
To ensure the safety of our students, state law requires that all potential mentors participate in a state-certified child abuse and criminal record check. Philadelphia Futures provides the necessary forms to complete, submits the materials, and covers the cost of the certification process. Mentors will not be matched with students until the certifications are complete.
Mentor Application
If you’d like to become a mentor, we invite you to complete and submit the Mentor Application to Philadelphia Futures via mail, e-mail or fax. We will contact you to schedule an interview and an orientation session in our office. If you have questions prior to submitting your application or if you would like to have a hard copy of the application sent to you, please contact Donor and Volunteer Services by email or by telephone at 215.790.1666.
