HFS Chicago Scholars Mentor Application

Information

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Mentor for the HFS Chicago Scholars program!

The impact a mentor makes on a scholar is critical; it leaves a positive impression on the scholar's life as a young adult. Mentoring a teenager is an extremely rewarding experience. The time and energy you put into developing a relationship will also leave a lasting impression on you.

We look forward to introducing you to an amazing student! To learn more about our program's history and the impact we have on our students and families, please visit our website at www.hfschicagoscholars.com. If you ever have any questions about our mentor program or the application process, don't hesitate to email Director of Mentor Relations, Ilyssa Haner, at ihaner@hfschicagoscholars.com.

Mentor Commitment:
Each mentor is asked to commit to his or her mentee for at least two years. During this time, they spend a few hours each month speaking or meeting with their mentee. Throughout the year, HFS hosts a number of events, and scholars attend an academic meeting each month. To develop a strong relationship with their mentee, mentors should attend 3-4 events and at least one academic meeting each year. There are also opportunities for mentors to volunteer at HFS events, allowing them to connect with other scholars and mentors.

Application and Onboarding:
The application is the first step of the mentor onboarding process. There are two requirements in order to apply; mentors must have some sort of college degree and mentors must be primarily located in the greater Chicago area. Once you complete and submit your application, you will receive an email with information about how to set up your 15-20 minute phone interview and complete the online Mandated Reporter Training. Once these steps are complete, you will receive instructions for submitting your Background Check. (NOTE: the State of Illinois requires all persons working with minors to complete Mandated Reporter Training along with a Background Check.)

After onboarding is complete, you will be ready for matching. We will take your application and interview responses into consideration when matching you with a scholar as well as your responses to a short matching survey. All mentors are required to sign the Mentor Handbook and attend an orientation in August.