Program Overview
Volunteer
eMentors offers a low time commitment, high impact volunteer opportunity for busy professionals who want to make a difference without leaving the office. We are currently seeking individuals interested in serving as a company coordinator to help facilitate eMentors at their company.
An eMentors company coordinator is a volunteer who collaborates with BestPrep and a local school to implement the program within their company. Employers, school personnel or members of the community may initiate local partnerships. Company Coordinators are responsible for recruiting employee volunteers within their company and planning the face-to-face meeting between students and mentors. Participating in the program demonstrates a commitment to the community and the next generation of employees.
Educator
Email mentoring offers students the chance to develop a relationship with an adult, other than their parents and educators, who can become a role model. eMentors increases academic motivation, improves reading and writing skills, provides pathways to career awareness, and promotes self-confidence.
BestPrep works with high school educators to determine the best class to be involved. The staff coordinates efforts with a company to support the effort by recruiting volunteers. Educators match their students to the volunteers and select Guiding Questions that their students will write about weekly. Additionally, teachers guide the process and monitor the email exchanges. Mentors and students meet in the middle of the program face-to-face at a structured, school-sponsored event preferably at the place of business. BestPrep staff provides the connection with the employer, leadership and support for the project, and lend their expertise when needed.
BestPrep’s eMentors program staff partners with each teacher to select six to ten weekly Guiding Questions topics that act as supplemental learning tools. These provide structure for students as they create weekly messages for their mentors and for mentors as they craft their replies. BestPrep has created a grading rubric that teachers are encouraged to adapt and use as part of the eMentors program.
