Mentors

Why should I become a mentor?

Mentors make a difference. Young people need positive adult role models and a window into worlds beyond their own neighborhoods. Just spending a few hours a month with a young person can help him or her develop confidence, build trust, and achieve goals

Each CPE mentor commits to the following:

• A two-year one-on-one mentoring relationship
• Meeting with your student once per month
• Calling/emailing your student each week
• Being a reliable resource and friend

CPE students are not the only ones who benefit from the mentoring relationship. As a mentor, you’ll meet new people, become involved with the community, and gain new perspectives.

There are unexpected rewards.  As you and your mentee begin your relationship, exploring values, interests and goals, you will find yourself making a difference and having a positive effect on their life. What you may also be surprised to see is that you will be learning more about yourself, too. Mentoring is a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Many mentors say that the rewards they gain are as substantial as those for their mentees.

Being a mentor enables you to:

• Have fun.
• Achieve personal growth, learn more about yourself.
• Improve your self-esteem and feel you are making a difference.
• Gain a better understanding of other cultures and develop a greater appreciation for diversity.
• Feel more productive and have a better attitude at work.
• Enhance your relationships with your own children.

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a mentor.

How do I become a CPE mentor?

CPE mentors help our students realize their full potential and accomplish amazing things. At the heart of CPE’s success in getting low-income students to and through college is the relationship each student has with his or her mentor. Our mentoring program is different because we provide an extraordinary level of support to foster the most beneficial relationships between each student and mentor.

To become a mentor, you will need to:

1. Complete an online application
2. Attend a training session
3. Participate in a one-on-one interview
4. Submit personal and professional references
5. Pass background and fingerprint screenings

If you have any questions or would like to speak with a CPE staff member before beginning the application process, please contact Audrey Love Seigfried by emailing audrey@cpfe.org or (202)-862-6020 ext. 228).