Mentoring is a supportive relationship between a school-aged child and a caring adult volunteer. The mentor provides support, guidance and assistance as a role model and friend. As a result of this relationship, the student gains valuable life skills, an increased sense of accomplishment and new tools to help set and achieve goals.

The purpose of the mentoring program is to improve self-esteem, attitudes and attendance and to offer motivation to stay in school and plan for the future. Mentoring ultimately has a powerful impact on academic performance. Gaston County Schools Office of Business and Education Partnerships facilitate the Mentoring Program with recruitment, training and matching of volunteers from business, community, and civic organizations.

To be approved as a Gaston County Schools mentor, an on-line volunteer application with criminal background check is required.  The application is available at www.gastonschoolvolunteers.com.

The term mentor has become synonymous with a wise and trusted guide, teacher and friend. During the 2010-2011 school year, over 370 volunteers served in Gaston County Schools as mentors. Mentoring transforms relationships and has a profound impact on students. “When you give your time, experience and wisdom to young people, you are sowing seeds of pride, confidence and accomplishment.” Thomas Dortch, Jr., The Miracle of Mentoring. Mentoring is also surprisingly fun and rewarding for the volunteer!

Annual program data, as well as documented success stories from teachers, illustrate the positive outcomes of Gaston County Schools’ Mentoring Program.

Volunteers can enter the mentoring program at any time throughout the school year. Training sessions are held monthly in the Gaston Regional Chamber Seminar Room, 601 W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia. Group trainings for businesses, civic, community and faith based organizations are available upon request at you site.

For more information or to reserve a seat for mentor training call Valerie Yatko, Director, Office of Business & Education Partnerships at 704-866-6329 or email businesspartnerships@gaston.k12.nc.us.

2011-2012 Mentor Training Sessions

(Held in Gaston Regional Training Seminar Room)

August 31, 2011

September 14, 2011

October 12, 2011

November 9, 2011

January 11, 2012

February 8, 2012

March 14, 2012