The IntoUuniversity Mentoring Scheme invites pupils to join as a reward rather than an intervention, aiming to positively introduce young people to university in a non-threatening environment, dispelling many of their myths of higher education. The scheme started in November 2003 under the premise that university students have successfully entered into university and can provide a ‘live’ university experience. We select university students from our partner universities Imperial College, UCL,, LSE and SOAS so that pupils develop near-peer relationships and they are more likely to share their concerns with someone closer in age and who is not seen as a disciplinary figure.
Mentors and mentees use face-to-face meetings twice a month to ensure a quality relationship is developed. Pairs speak on the phone and via email to supplement their partnership. During meetings pairs participate in a range of activities from looking over coursework, experimenting in cooking and delving into ceramics. Mentors seek to mix up the focus of the meetings so that mentees experience new things and have fun. As bonds are formed pairs look at setting targets, revisiting goals and marking achievements. Progress is checked regularly and evaluation ensures that pairs continue along a rewarding path.
As for the mentors... All potential mentors must undergo a day-long training session held at their respective university (Imperial College, UCL and LSE). The training tackles thought provoking issues such as what it means to be a mentor, commitment to the programme, and gaining an awareness of different backgrounds the mentees come from. Following this session, suitable candidates are asked to visit the Community Project for a post-training meeting, giving the Mentoring Co-ordinator the opportunity to answer any questions and make any further assessments, including police background checks. When mentors are clear of their expectations and feel confident to take part we set a date for a Meet Your Mentor Event.
As for the mentees... Mentees who get involved with the Mentoring Scheme have already participated in at least 1 other project at the Community Centre and have shown a considerable degree of commitment and application. Being invited to have a mentor is a privilege that the mentee is offered in order to further their future academic and social development. The scheme is divided into 2 age groups. Mentees in Y6-8 only meet on-site (at the community project) while mentees in Y9 above must have 3 meetings at the project before arranging meetings off-site (at their mentor's university, for example) Older mentees must then meet back at the centre every 3months to allow for supervision.
Since November 2003 we have tripled in our original aims and now operate with a capacity of 60 pairs (120 participants) benefiting from the programme. We are also piloting a new strand of the mentoring scheme with JPMorgan. The IntoUniveristy Mentoring Scheme is recognised as a quality service nationally,- in January 2005 we gained the Approved Provider Standard award from the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation. We regularly advise and assist other organisations on volunteer policies and applying for the APS award, and have been asked to provide mentors’ case studies as an example of good practice for a national training guide. We have also developed links with London Youth, Millennium Volunteers and Certificate in Community Volunteering, which strengthens the experience for mentors.
If you are interested in finding out more please email the Mentoring Co-ordinator Dan Baker.
