Seedling

"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

You can learn a lot from a child. Seedling is the leading school-based mentoring program in Austin, TX serving children in 36 AISD schools who are coping with parental incarceration. Since 2006, we have served over a 1800 children in over 100 schools. Seedling mentors express satisfaction and gratitude from participating in our program. Mentors meet with their mentees for less than an hour, once a week during the child's lunch. These meetings not only give a child something to look forward to, but also makes your own community stronger. Our program staff works closely with you and the schools to ensure a successful match and continues to support the partnership throughout the year. Mentors commit an average of 30-45 minutes each week for a school year to build a friendship with a child while being a positive role model. Mentors and mentees are matched by common interests, ensuring a healthy and productive relationship. Our unique research-based training model, Mentor University, equips our prospective mentors with the tools to succeed and get the most out of your relationship.