Mentor NYC High School Students with Minds Matter NYC

About Minds Matter NYC:

Minds Matter NYC (MMNYC) connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their futures, and change the world.

• 100% of MMNYC students graduate from high school and enroll in 4-year universities.
• MMNYC students are 3x more likely to graduate from college than their low-income peers.

Role Overview:

Mentors build relationships with their students and guide, challenge, and celebrate them throughout their time in the program. They offer educational and personal insights to support students’ journeys through high school, college, and into the workplace.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build an authentic relationship with your students based on mutual trust, open communication, and respect over the course of three academic years (from your students’ sophomore through senior years of high school).
• Guide high-achieving, low-income high school students through group activities, discussions, and milestones to help them gain the skills and confidence needed to achieve their college dreams.
• Collaborate within a quad (2 mentors:2 mentees) within a larger team led by a Team Leader who facilitates MMNYC’s curriculum.

Skills/Qualifications Needed:

• Must hold a degree from a 4-year college/university.
• Must pass a criminal background check, undergo child protection training, and sign youth protection policies.
• Must commit to attending at least 80% of Saturday sessions throughout your time in the program (three academic years).

Desired Experience:

• Mentors are friendly, supportive, possess high emotional intelligence, and are open to sharing their own life experiences.
• Respectful of and willing to learn about backgrounds, cultures, and experiences different from your own.
• Team-oriented, responsive, and active listener who can serve as a role model for young people.
• Experience/interest in working closely with high school students.
• Experience/interest in taking on a long-term commitment and consistent volunteer role.
• Belief in the power of a college education and career preparation.

Training:

• Attend a New Volunteer Orientation in September.
• Receive ongoing guidance and support from volunteer leaders and MMNYC staff.

Time Commitment:

• Mentors commit to volunteering for three academic school years (from your students' Sophomore through Senior year of high school). October to April.
• Program sessions take place in person from 11 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays
• Sessions are typically held just two to three Saturdays per month, from October to April. MMNYC follows the NYCDOE school calendar, taking off for school breaks and holiday weekends.
• Mentors are required to attend at least 80% of program sessions each school year.

Benefits of Volunteering with MMNYC:

• Make a lifelong impact by helping high-achieving, low-income students accomplish their college dreams.
• Join a friendly community of 400+ value-driven young professionals, and gain access to monthly social events and mixers (ex. Dinner with 10 Strangers, Trivia Nights, Holiday Mixers, and more!)
• Grow as a leader and have the opportunity to take on volunteer leadership roles as an Associate Board Member, Team Leader, and/or Program Director.
• Form a deeper connection to New York City and contribute to the growth of the city’s youth.

How to Apply:

• Submit Minds Matter NYC’s Volunteer Application.
• Successful applicants will be contacted to schedule a casual 30-minute Zoom interview with a current MMNYC volunteer.
• Want to Learn More? Visit mindsmatternyc.org/volunteers or reach out to maya@mindsmatternyc.org. Maya (Volunteer Engagement Senior Associate) at maya@mindsmatternyc.org