January is National Mentoring Month, and Pearland ISD is celebrating the annual campaign by inviting community members to become RISE mentors and positively impact students’ lives.
Currently, through RISE Mentoring, Pearland ISD has more than 450 students from grades K-12 matched with mentors who meet one-on-one each week.
To become a RISE mentor, you must complete an application, online background check, and register for one of the mentor trainings. Mentor and student matching for the current school year will continue through February 23.
Why Mentor?
Research links mentoring to improved academic, social, and economic prospects for young people — in turn, strengthening communities nationwide.
RISE Mentoring volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, but all are united in wanting to offer an ear and time to students.
How to Become a Mentor?
RISE Mentoring training sessions are scheduled from January through February 2 for those interested in volunteering this school year.
All mentors complete an online application, a background check, and attend training before being matched with a student for the school year. Once matched, the mentor meets with the student on campus for 30 minutes weekly.
“We’re looking for people who care about kids and are committed. You or someone you know may just be that ‘one more’ person that a student needs,” Mandy Benedix, Pearland ISD mentor/volunteer specialist, said.
Below are training dates for those interested in becoming a Pearland ISD mentor. All training listed will be offered at the Virgil Gant Education Support Center, 1928 N. Main, Pearland, TX. Additional private training may be scheduled for businesses interested in having more than one employee join RISE Mentoring.
Training dates:
Tuesday, January 23: 6-8:45 p.m.
Monday, January 29: 9-11:45 a.m.
Tuesday, January 30: 11-1:45 a.m.
Thursday, February 1: 11-1:45 a.m.
Friday, February 2: 9-11:45 a.m.
To learn more about participating in RISE Mentoring, apply to become a mentor, and more information, visit www.pearlandisd.org/departments/rise-mentoring or contact mentoring@pearlandisd.org.
