MVLA Community Scholars- Mentors

Become an MVLA Community Scholars Mentor

MVLA Community Scholars offers the opportunity to work one-on-one with a college student who is first generation in their family to attend college. Our students deeply appreciate the support a mentor offers. The most important requirements for becoming a mentor are a passion for youth, and a commitment to providing a steady, non-judgmental presence in these youths’ lives. Students seek advice on topics ranging from financial aid, class selection and roommate issues, to finding resources on campus and transitioning to the workplace.

Time commitment

Mentors must attend a New Mentor Training (two hours, early June). Monthly workshops available for additional training and mentor networking. Monthly contact (email, phone) with student required, and 4-6 face-to-face meetings per year as possible. More contact may be needed in first year and weeks prior to freshman year to help students set up budgets and identify other transitional needs. A multi-year (4-5yrs) commitment. No prior experience required.

Mentor Job Description

Serve as the gatekeeper for your Scholar’s scholarship funds.

Work with your student to determine how s/he will use the funds in the coming year and identify important payment due dates. Complete payment request forms as needed.
Create an annual budget to help your Scholar figure out how s/he will pay for college.
Work with your Scholar to complete scholarship renewal process

Serve as a resource for your Scholar.

Help him/her find resources that can meet his/her needs. Becoming familiar with the resources your Scholar’s college offers is a great place to start. Check out EOPS, ESL, AVID, etc. Get comfortable with college financial aid.

Serve as an advocate for your Scholar.

While it is best to teach your scholar to be an advocate for him/herself with college personnel, family, or employers, there may be times when an adult familiar with the system needs to intervene. Be a role model for problem solving and decision making.

Serve as a sounding board, a source of support and advice.

Get to know your Scholar – face-to-face meetings and outings, college visits, email, phone calls.

Champion the journey college can be.

Talk about the benefits and potential outcomes of earning a college degree – and understand the obstacles that make that journey a challenge.

General Calendar

Summer: Meet a few times with your student; create a school budget; make sure you have their current school contact information, especially cell phone number and email address.
Fall: Know payment deadlines and when your scholar will need his/her funds! Check in with them frequently during their first few months.
Winter: Try to see your student over winter break. Stay in touch.
January: Have your student file their FAFSA form (preferably online) by January 31. Deadline to file is March 2 to be eligible for a CalGrant. Have them send you their Student Aid report as soon as they get it.
Spring: Late March: Scholar renewal letters emailed to you.
April 30: Scholar renewal requests and Mentor funding recommendations due.
Summer: June 20: a copy of your Scholar’s college financial aid award letters and final transcripts due to Scholarship Committee.