Inspiring Someone with Special Interests is Easier than you Think! Become an iRISE2 MENTOR!

Come learn the A-B-C’s of iRISE2 Mentoring! iRISE2, Interest and Relationships Impacting Social Engagement and Employment, is a mentoring program offered at FAU’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Through various programs, the iRISE2 Mentoring Program serves youth and young adults ages 11-35 (with flexibility) with autism and related disabilities. These programs aim to help these youth reach their full potential for personal development and independence while enriching their social-cognitive capacity through interest-based mentoring. Our program is 100% virtual!

Check out our website: http://www.fau.edu/education/centersandprograms/card/irise2/

A: About our program options:

1. STEM & Mindfulness-Program runs for 6 consecutive Wednesdays from 5-6:15 pm EST via Zoom with audio and video capabilities. In this program, you will be paired one-on-one with a protégé (ages 11-30), and we meet weekly in a group setting with both program coordinators present to assist. Matches will work together in breakout rooms to complete a science kit, work on an art project, and build a LEGO activity, to name a few activity examples. Program activities change from program to program. Everything will be mailed to your home free of charge. No experience in STEM is necessary! The program takes place in Spring, Summer, and Fall and is limited to 16 participants each with a one-on-one mentor for a total of 32 participants plus 2-5 program staff.
2. Independent Living Skills Program: The program runs for 6 consecutive Thursdays from 5-6:15 pm EST via Zoom with audio and video capabilities. In this program, you will be paired one-on-one with a protégé (ages 16 and up) and we meet weekly in a group setting with both program coordinators present to assist. Topics may include: Self-Care/Mental Wellness, exploring budgeting and financial literacy techniques, tips on managing the home, time management, and Online Safety/Social Media Etiquette with supplemental material provided by the program coordinators. The program takes place in Spring and Fall and is limited to 8 participants each with a one-on-one mentor for a total of 16 participants plus 2-3 program staff.

B: Background Screening/Interview (Free of charge to iRISE2 Mentors; available nationwide)

C: Connect with your Protégé: Become matched with an individual based on interests and preferences.

In general, virtual volunteers/ mentors must:

• • Be at least 18 years old to become a volunteer mentor; 14-17 years old to become a Co-Facilitator
  • Commit to attending at least 4 of the 6 program sessions
  • Submit a Completed Application
  • Schedule and Complete a Mentor Interview (about 1hr)
  • Provide 3 personal references
  • Successfully complete FREE Mentor Background Screening on the day/time/location of your choice nationwide

"The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves." Steven Spielberg