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The DC College Success Foundation’s Hometown Mentor Program is looking for committed and supportive adult volunteers that value higher education and enjoy working with high school juniors and seniors.

The goal of the Hometown Mentor Program is to provide mentors to Achievers Scholarship Candidates enrolled in the six eligible District of Columbia Achievers High Schools in Wards 7 and 8.

What Do Hometown Mentors Do?
• Meet with Achievers Scholar Candidates (ASCs) at least once a month during their high school senior year to develop one-on-one relationships.
• Serve as ‘bridges’ to hometown communities during the students’ first year in college
• Model positive behaviors such as integrity, punctuality, work ethic, compassion and open-mindedness
• Assist ASCs in navigating the tasks and the processes necessary to gain admission to colleges or universities
• Assist ASCs with the completion of college admission and financial aid forms
• Discuss career and academic goals
• Serve as role models for students
• Network with other dedicated professionals at trainings and special events

What are the Skills and Attributes of Hometown Mentors?
• Value higher education and enjoy working with high school juniors and seniors
• Appreciate cultural diversity and work well with students from diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Have a college degree and be at least 21 years old

How are Hometown Mentors “Matched” with Achievers Scholars?
Once a Hometown Mentor applicant successfully passes the background screening, they are interviewed (including reference checks) and Hometown Mentors and Achievers Scholarship Candidates are “matched” based on similar interests, career paths/goals and other compatible characteristics.

Do Hometown Mentors Receive Special Training?
All Hometown Mentors will receive training and skill development in the college application, financial aid and scholarship process, and in coaching, goal setting and communication.

The DC College Success Foundation is a non-profit organization funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and was created to expand the pipeline of low-income and under-represented youth who complete a baccalaureate degree by providing selected students – the Achievers Scholar Candidates – the educational and financial incentives, mentoring and other supports necessary to gain admission to the colleges and universities of their choice.

Contact Brett Lowitz at the DC College Success Foundation: (202) 207-1811 or lowitzb@dccollegesuccessfoundation.org for more information or to apply to be a mentor.