Mentor 2.0

 

The Dallas Morning News’ article explains how Big Brothers Big Sisters works hand in hand with many high schools around the country but thanks to a new online program called Mentor2.0 Big Brothers Big Sisters will be assisting kids around the country in a new, virtual, and convenient way.  Mentor2.0 is mostly directed towards high school students. Schools including North Dallas High School, Irving High School, and four Uplift Education charters schools will be some of the of the firsts to participate in the new online system.

    Thanks to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, which sponsors the new virtual system, Mentor2.0 connects students with volunteers who will guide them through high school and prepare them for college. Most interactions occur through email, which are revolved around the academic curriculum and is monitored by a secure online system. To ensure even more safety teachers and Big Brother Big Sisters employees monitor all emails. The students involved must also have their parents’ permission to participate in Mentor2.0. Criminal background checks and mentor training are mandatory for all volunteers.

Each week the mentor and students will discuss certain topics that will prepare them for their futures and “the real world”, including creating resumes, interview tips, and appropriate interview attire. Along with interacting over email, every four to six weeks the mentor and the student will meet at a school- sponsored event to discuss building skills for interviews and jobs. Mentor2.0 is divided into two sections, the first one is “college ready” for ninth-graders and the second section is “college success” for high school juniors. The program continues through the student’s first year of college.

The mission for this new program is to blend traditional and online mentoring which will lead to building relationships through the convenience of technology. April Klics, an associate vice president for Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, said online programming is convenient, time-specific and tuned to academic success and college preparation. Charles Pierson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, said he expects e-mentoring to expand quickly. Mentor2.0 provides students with a guide and mentor who will be there for them during the most important and toughest times of their lives. The program will allow students to have a reference 24/7.

 

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For this blog I would love to hear your opinions. How do you feel about Mentor 2.0 after reading this blog? Do you think that it will help and is a good idea or do you think that the lack of personal interaction will hold students back and will not be affective? Comment down below!