In a mutually beneficial mentorship, mentors and alumni are each other’s MVP.

 

 

 

 

 

How long am I an MVP?

From January-June. Mentors and alumni will be asked at the end of the cycle if they intend to renew their MVP status with their current mentee. It is possible, and encouraged, to be each other’s MVP throughout the alum’s academic career.

What is the time commitment?

Each month, MVPs have a 30-minute mentoring session referred to as “check-ins.” After each check-in, both MVPs need to complete a 2-minute reflection form confirming the check-in has occurred. Additionally, by the end of the cycle mentees must have completed 10 volunteer project hours with their mentor by the end of the calendar year. These hours are what the Alumni has spent working on their collective projects as guided by their Mentor.

What kind of project does my Mentee need to complete?

 

Your role involves assisting your mentee in developing ideas for a volunteer project and providing the coaching, assessment, and feedback. You are not alone in supporting the volunteer learning project Your scholar’s advisor will team with you to support scholars and work with them outside of your biweekly check-ins to produce a successful project.

 

There are a number of ways to facilitate volunteer project hours for your mentee to meet the 10-hour requirement during the 2024 calendar year. Below are a few options:

 

• Create a video public service announcement
• Rebuild a carburetor
• Write and submit an article for publishing
• Create an interior home design plan
• Start a business social media campaign
• Design and construct a raised garden planter
• Develop a bakery business plan
• Teach and assess a science lesson and laboratory
• Design, facilitate, and analyze community a focus group
• Design and create a bilingual business brochure
• Design, cook, and host a catered lunch
• Develop a patient nutrition plan
• Test water quality and analyze results

Do I need to complete a background check to become a mentor?

All mentors must have a clear criminal background check with the California Department of Justice prior to becoming a mentor. 

1. Current staff members of Equitas Academy have completed this background check upon hire, and therefore no further action is required prior to applying to be a mentor. 
2. Board members of Equitas Academy must complete a background check prior to applying to be a mentor. Their ability to mentor an alum of Equitas Academy is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check with the California Department of Justice.
3. Past staff members of Equitas Academy must complete a background check prior to applying to be a mentor. Their ability to mentor an alum of Equitas Academy is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check with the California Department of Justice.
4. Members of the community must complete a background check prior to applying to be a mentor. Their ability to mentor an alum of Equitas Academy is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check with the California Department of Justice.

 

What can I expect after signing up?

• October - November: MVP applications due + match notifications
• December: Celebration Kick Off
• January - June: Monthly check-ins
• June: End-of-Year Celebration and last check-in

 

Where do our bi-weekly check-ins take place?

These can be in-person or virtual (over the phone, video conference, etc.). If you are meeting in-person, you will need to coordinate with your mentee. If you need a space that is a central location to the mentee, you can schedule a meeting time with Ms. Stephanie Leon, [email protected] to use a room in the Network Offices.

What do we check-in about?

MVPs check-ins have two main focuses: goal-setting and college pathway exploration. The first check-in will provide a space for alumni to share and/or set their college and career goals with mentors. Subsequent check-ins will provide a space for mentors to check in with alumni on their goals and volunteer project. Each check-in will also provide a space for alumni and mentors to build a relationship that provides alumni with a college graduate currently in a field of interest who they can lean on through their college pathway exploration.

 

When are the “Biweekly Check-in Reflection Forms” due?

Within a three days of each biweekly check-in, mentors and alumni should submit the reflection form to confirm they have completed a check-in. These forms also provide a way for you to share any additional follow up we may need to do. If an alum asks for support on SAT practice during their check-in, for example, mentors can add it to their form to ensure the Equitas Alumni team connects alumni with appropriate resources. 

 

How are mentors and mentees matched?

We aim to match mentors and mentees with a compatible MVP based on career interests, hobbies, education, and other factors noted in each application. We recruit MVPs with the intention of matching all mentor/mentees who are interested in participating. In the event that there is a surplus of mentor applications, mentors will be paired on a first-come first-served basis. In the event that there is a surplus of alumni applications, high school seniors will have first priority, then juniors, sophomores and freshmen. 

 

For additional questions or information, please contact [email protected].