As we step into 2025, Communities In Schools of Jacksonville (CIS Jax) recognizes mentors, and the incredible outcomes mentorship has on the lives of young people across Jacksonville. Every January is National Mentoring Month—the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of mentorship and building meaningful connections.
The History of National Mentoring Month
In 2002, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and MENTOR started a month-long campaign to highlight the benefits of mentoring. The university used this to encourage more adults to become mentors. Mentoring has been shown to significantly improve the lives of youth, helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and achieve goals.
According to Rite of Passage (2018), “Young people who have a mentor are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.”
CIS Jax Mentoring Programs
For the past 35 years, CIS Jax has guided Duval County students to success, providing them with support and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Through programs like literacy tutoring, case management, and afterschool programs, CIS Jax has significantly helped students at risk of dropping out. By providing personalized support, these mentors have provided their students with a foundation for a better future.
One-on-one and small group tutoring sessions help elementary school students build a solid foundation in reading and writing and boost students’ academic performance.
Additionally, CIS Jax afterschool programs offer safe spaces for students to complete their schoolwork, participate in enrichment activities, and connect with peers. These comprehensive programs empower students to stay in school and achieve their fullest potential.
“We are proud to be a part of young students’ social and emotional growth. Our students come from various backgrounds, and we are a safe haven for them to come and express themselves,” said Bryan Jones, CIS Jax Director of Afterschool.
Why Become a Mentor?
Becoming a mentor is a powerful way to make a lasting impact on a young person’s life. As a mentor, you can provide guidance and encouragement to students facing challenges inside and outside the classroom.
Mentoring is known as a mutually rewarding experience. While mentors help shape students’ futures, they also gain personal fulfillment and growth from the relationship. A commitment to mentoring can create a ripple effect, positively influencing the community and contributing to a brighter future for all.
By sharing your experiences and knowledge, you can empower students to exceed exceptions set before them.
Volunteer with CIS Jax
Volunteering with CIS Jax is a rewarding way to give back to the community and make a meaningful difference. CIS Jax offers various opportunities for volunteers to get involved through mentoring, assisting with afterschool programs, and supporting special events and initiatives.
Steps to Become a Mentor
- Send Us An Email: Start by sending us an email here. The application process helps ensure the mentors are well-matched with students based on interests, skills, and availability.
- Background Check: For the safety of the students, all potential mentors must undergo a DCPS background check. This step is crucial to maintaining a secure and supportive student environment.
- Training: CIS Jax provides a short training session for new mentors. This training covers essential topics such as effective communication, building trust, and understanding students’ needs.
- Matching: After you complete the application, background check, and training, you will be matched with a student based on your interests and the student’s needs. This personalized matching process helps ensure a successful and meaningful mentoring relationship.
- Ongoing Support: Throughout your mentoring journey, CIS Jax offers ongoing support and resources to help you succeed. The support system includes regular check-ins, additional training sessions, and access to a network of fellow mentors.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
There are other ways to volunteer with CIS Jax. For more information, visit the Communities In Schools of Jacksonville website at https://www.cisjax.org/volunteer.
By volunteering with CIS Jax, you can play a crucial role in helping students stay in school and achieve their dreams. Your time and dedication can have a lasting impact on the lives of young people in your community.
Check out our segment on News4Jax where our CEO and a former CIS Jax student discuss National Mentoring Month, the impact of having someone to turn to, and how to get involved as a mentor in Duval County. Watch the full segment here.