Become an Evanston Scholars Mentor!
Mentors serve as a source of information, inspiration, and moral support throughout our six-year program. In the first two years, mentors accompany High School Scholars and their families through the college application and financial aid process. Once students gain admission to college, mentors support them through the ups and downs of their college years and help celebrate graduation. Many mentors and Scholars develop relationships that endure after college.
Mentor Requirements
Time Commitment
Mentor Selection and Matching Timeline
Mentor Requirements
- Mentors must possess a college degree and the desire to help Scholars persist through the application process and through college.
- Once an application is approved, mentors undergo training and submit to a background check.
Time Commitment
- Mentors commit to support an Evanston Scholar for a minimum of four years. Formal mentor/Scholar relationships begin junior year of high school and continue through the second year of college. Mentor/mentee pairs may choose to continue their relationships beyond this time.
- Mentors agree to attend special events, including the Orientation, Initiation Dinner, and Graduation Celebration.
- Wherever possible, mentors join their Scholars at monthly workshops where they learn about the college search, application process, and career readiness. Workshops are also a time to get to get better acquainted with Scholars, their parents, and other mentors.
- Mentors agree to contact Scholars twice a month. This contact may include phone calls, meetings, or even long text streams, with the goal of fostering open and meaningful communication that strengthens the relationship.
Mentor Selection and Matching Timeline
- Mentor applications are due mid-summer (exact date to be announced).
- Mentors are matched with high school junior Scholars in early fall.
- Mentors meet Scholars and parents at our annual New Scholar and Mentor Initiation Celebration in late fall.
