Mentor4Success
About BUF-OR’s Mentor4Sucess Program
BUF-OR’s Mentorship Program pairs youth and young adults, aged 14-24, with professionals and peers that can provide guidance regarding postsecondary pathways.
Our program focuses on creating pathways to college, pathways to careers or trades, and building essential life skills to help students navigate life’s challenges with confidence and purpose. Beginning in 8th grade, we offer consistent support and mentorship to guide students through college graduation and beyond.
Students receive one-on-one support (virtual or in-person) and guidance on scholarships/financial aid, educational/training opportunities, career/networking opportunities, and more.
While anyone is welcome to join, the program is especially focused on providing low-income youth and youth of color with college and career readiness support they may not otherwise be able to access.
Questions?
Email Mentor4Success Program Manager: Marshall@bufor.org
Program Benefits
Program Highlights
We prepare students for academic success and higher education opportunities through:
- College Preparation Workshops: Guidance on college applications, essay writing, and financial aid (FAFSA) navigation.
- Campus Tours: Exposure to colleges and universities to inspire and inform decisions.
- Scholarship Support: Assistance in identifying and applying for scholarships to reduce financial barriers.
- Academic Tutoring: Personalized academic support to strengthen skills and boost confidence.
For students exploring alternatives to traditional college pathways, we offer:
- Career Exploration Sessions: Insights into various industries, job roles, and emerging career opportunities.
- Trade Skills Mentorship: Partnerships with trade schools and professionals to introduce students to vocational paths.
- Internships and Job Shadowing: Real-world experience through connections with industry professionals.
- Resume Building and Interview Prep: Equipping students with tools to succeed in the job market.
We equip students with the tools they need to thrive personally and professionally:
- Financial Literacy: Budgeting, saving, and managing student loans or salaries.
- Time Management: Strategies for balancing academics, work, and personal life.
- Conflict Resolution: Techniques for effective communication and problem-solving.
- Leadership Development: Building confidence and skills for leadership roles.
- Health and Wellness Education: Promoting physical and mental well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
While anyone is welcome to join, the program is especially focused on providing low-income youth and youth of color with college and career readiness support they may not otherwise be able to access.
Participating youth do not need to be entering college to be accepted, rather the program will match individuals with an adult who most closely matches their chosen pathway. If you don’t know your pathway, that is ok too!
Mentors are adults, age 18 or older, who are able to provide career specific and/or culturally-specific advice about college and other postsecondary options
Mentees and mentors commit to meeting at least once monthly and participating in the program for at least one full year.
Please use the forms at the bottom of this web page to express your interest in becoming a mentee or mentor! A member of our team will reach out within 2-3 days to learn more about your background, goals, and alignment with the program.
Please reach out to BUF-OR’s Mentor4Success Program Manager, Marshall: Marshall@bufor.org
Get Involved Today!
Scholarship Workshops
BUF-OR provides workshops on a variety of topics, from writing scholarship essays to applying for trade school. Many workshops are based on the Path to Scholarships® curriculum written by June McBride, a Dominican-American educator who collaborated nationally with higher learning leaders of color. Workshops are held both virtually and in-person, about monthly during the school year (September-May).
Interested in presenting a workshop topic to BUF-OR youth? Email SWW@bufor.org.
Become A Mentee
Mentees are youth and young adults, age 14-24, who are seeking additional support with some aspect of their educational and/or career pathway.
Mentees commit to meeting with their mentor at least once monthly and participating in the program for at least one full year.
Participating youth do not need to be entering college to be accepted, rather the program will match individuals with an adult who most closely matches their chosen pathway. If you don’t know your pathway, that is ok too!
Sign up to learn more and discuss the program with BUF-OR staff.
Become A Mentor
Mentors are adults, age 18 or older, who are able to provide career specific and/or culturally-specific advice about college and other postsecondary options.
Mentors commit to meet with their mentees at least monthly and to remain a mentor for at least one year. Mentors must receive training from BUF-OR staff and complete a background check prior to being matched with a mentee.
Join us for this fabulous opportunity to shape the pathways of tomorrow’s young professionals!