Seedling Mentor Program

"Whenever I wonder if what I'm doing matters, I just take in the big and genuine smile I get every week, or the little hand in mine as we walk back to the classroom...and I know the relationship matters."

-Seedling Mentor, Spring Survey

You can learn a lot from a child. As one of the leading mentoring programs in Austin, Texas Seedling serves children in Central Texas schools who are challenged by parental incarceration. Since our founding in 2006, we have served over 1,800 children. Our innovative, research-driven, school-based mentoring program has been proven to significantly improve the well-being of the children mentored while also providing a rewarding journey for Seedling mentors.

In order to create and maintain a healthy and productive relationship, mentors are carefully matched by common interests with their mentees. Mentors meet with the child once a week from 30-45 minutes during lunch throughout the school year and can continue the mentoring relationship with the child over multiple school years. These consistent visits give the child, and mentor, something to look forward to, whether it’s needing an ear or just hanging out.

Our program staff offers orientation and educational training sessions while our Mentor Directors work closely with you and the school throughout the year for additional support. Seedling mentors continually report very high satisfaction and gratitude from participating in the program. They realize mentoring is for anyone; it is fun; and most of all, very rewarding. All it takes to become a mentor is to fill out a mentor profile on our website, complete a background check, and attend an orientation session so you have the tools you need to succeed.

Change two lives. Become a mentor.

What does mentoring look like? Ask us! You can visit our website and register to become a mentor here, contact us by phone (512) 323-6371, or email us at info@seedlingfoundation.org

COVID-19 protocols. Seedling mentors meet their students in person on campus. We follow the protocols put in place by the school (mask, distancing) and most schools have an area outside where you can meet.