VOLUNTEER AS A MENTOR

RA’s volunteer mentors range from high school juniors, to CEOs, to retirees. The common thread amongst this group of diverse individuals is their commitment to centering the student as the main character. 

 
 

WHAT TO EXPECT

No experience required. We provide all the training and support necessary to be an effective mentor.

We believe in mentoring so much that each mentor has their own mentor. Each volunteer mentor has a dedicated Community Coordinator, an RA staff member who supports mentor-mentee connections. Community Coordinators walk alongside our mentors and we’re right there when a mentor-mentee pair needs support or kudos.

Whenever possible, we match students and mentors who share lived experience and languages. The end result of this intentional process means more effective and lasting mentoring relationships that center students, their identities, and their futures.

HOW IT WORKS

 Here’s what the onboarding process looks like for volunteer mentors:

  1. Fill out your mentor info form.

  2. We will schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting with you so we can get to know you and answer all your burning questions.

  3. Participate in training and learn what it means to mobilize a student's ONE Team supporters.

  4. Get matched and begin inspiring a sense of belonging for your mentee!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • RA’s volunteer mentors come from all stages of life, from high school juniors, to CEOs, to retirees. You don’t need experience working with kids or any specialized knowledge. We provide all the training and support necessary to be an effective mentor.

  • We ask that mentors be juniors in high school or older. There is no upper limit!

  • No way! RA students are ready to connect with mentors about more than sports - they are also artists, activists, engineers, and more.

  • Mentors typically spend 1 hour per week between meeting with the student, and communicating with their parents, teachers, etc. We ask mentors to commit for at least one full school year.

  • The level of involvement outside of check-ins is up to you. Mentors rave about the extra time they spend attending activities like sports games and milestones like birthday parties, graduations, and quinceañeras.

  • Mentor/student pairs meet in person, but there is flexibility for virtual check-ins because of illness or travel.

  • RA mentors meet with their mentees every week, year round, including school breaks and the summer. During summer check-ins, mentor/mentee pairs meet outside of school for activities like getting boba, going for a walk, or visiting the mentor’s job. RA also hosts group meetups for all mentors and mentees during the summer.

Do you have questions we haven’t answered here?

Ask us!