Be a Mentor

Thank you for your interest in joining the CCRI Mentoring Initiative. I am certain that your time and expertise will have a profound effect on your mentees’ college experience. I am thrilled by the enthusiastic response to the announcement and that so many are eager to engage our students as they navigate college and think about their future.

Our students have a tremendous amount of tenacity, determination and potential. An investment of your time in this new program will make a world of difference to them. I am grateful for your support.

Students will learn about the initiative during orientations this summer and the program will begin this fall. We will be in touch with updates prior to the fall semester. Please contact Dean of Students Michael Cunningham at 825-2173 or by email to sign up as a mentor.

Thank you again for your willingness to partner in this work.

Sincerely,
Meghan Hughes
President

-- Who can be a mentor?
-- What do I have to do to become a mentor?
-- Whom will I be mentoring?
-- What do I have to do as a mentor?
-- What kind of training and support will I get?

Who can be a mentor?

Anyone with a strong desire to guide young people and adults on a path to success can be a mentor. We are specifically looking for members of the community who are excited to engage our students as they navigate college and think about their future. Community leaders from across the state in business, education, the nonprofit sector and government are joining together to create an inspiring, supportive community for CCRI students.

What do I have to do to become a mentor?

To be a CCRI mentor you must be committed to supporting our students through college and as they think about their next steps: additional higher education and/or careers. Mentors must bring a passion and commitment to working with our students and should be willing to share their experiences. All mentors will be expected to participate in a two-hour training and a state-required background check.

Whom will I be mentoring?

You will mentor a group of four to six students. Once you select the monthly meeting time and one of our four campuses where you would like to meet with your group, we will match you with students who are available when you are. Our students come to CCRI from all over the state. They reflect the broad diversity that is such an asset to Rhode Island. Some of them are first in their family to attend college, some are English language learners. Some have families of their own. Most are working in addition to being CCRI students. They all share a deep commitment to their education and a desire to participate in the mentoring initiative.

What do I have to do as a mentor?

• Meet with your mentoring group once a month for 90 minutes on one of our four campuses during the academic year.
• Stay in contact with your mentees at least once a week electronically.
• Be a good listener.
• Share your experience and talent.
• Assist your mentees in building their own networks in a manner that supports their learning and career goals.

What kind of training and support will I get?

In addition to the initial training, you will get brief summaries that identify each month’s theme, suggested questions, and links to additional resources that you can use if you choose. You will also have ongoing support from the mentoring program coordinators and a cohort of college faculty and staff members who will make themselves available to you to answer questions or provide support in their areas of expertise.

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