You, the volunteer high school mentor, are paired with children/students to ensure that they gain from this unique after-school opportunity. You will act as a bridge between the instructors and the students to ensure that all facets of the curriculum are understood and performed correctly. You will also serve as positive role models and strive to develop a strong rapport with the students. In order for you to succeed in building a trusting relationship with the students, you will participate in weekly workshops that develop your leadership and communication skills.
Leadership Development - As part of the mentor training, mentors participate in workshops on leadership, communication and conflict resolution. The mentors assist the computer instructors; participate in mentor recruitment; and serve as program ambassadors to the community.

Community Involvement - The YTMP provides a meaningful volunteer opportunity where mentors see the benefits of their commitment. Mentors watch their mentee's self esteem soar and understand that their companionship and role modeling has precipitated such benefits. The mentors enjoy a positive volunteer experience, which sets the groundwork for continued community involvement.

Improved Self- Awareness - The process of mentoring helps to bring clarity of one's own strengths, weaknesses, biases and passions. Additionally, the mentor curriculum contains exercises that focus on self-reflection. One mentor stated, “Every time I sit with my mentee, I learn more about myself.”

Awareness of Diversity - Mentors are trained to recognize cultural differences and are equipped with strategies for communicating across the differences . Mentors become astute to the challenges and barriers economically depressed families face.
The program is open to any high school student in the GTA. The program is well suited to those high school students who like computers and like working with children. This program provides students with 45 volunteer hours and will qualify you in fulfilling your community service requirement.
In order to apply, you must fill in the following application either on-line or print and fax it. You will be contacted for a phone interview. Mentors are selected based on their communication skills, level of commitment, past experience with youngsters and information gleaned from the three references. A police references check is conducted and a parental permission form must be signed.

First Name:
Last Name:
Address:
City:
Province:
Postal Code:
Phone Number:
Other Number:
Email Address:
Best Time to Contact:
Date of Birth:
School & Grade:
Please describe the length and nature of any previous volunteer experience:
Please list any prior experience you have had working with children:
What are your special interests, skills, or hobbies?
What languages do you speak/write/read?
What are your reasons for wanting to be a mentor in the ORT Youth Technology and Mentor Program? Please elaborate.
How did you learn of this program? Be specific.
Two identical programs are run. One on Tuesdays and one on Thursdays. Mentor training sessions are required. Please check which box or boxes you would like to attend. I prefer to attend on Tuesday or Thursday evenings after school. Will you be able to attend with advance notification? Please Choose Yes No
Continuity is important to the youngster you are mentoring. Are you prepared to commit yourself on a regular basis to the program?
No ----- Yes
Have you ever been convicted of any crime from which you were not pardoned? No ----- Yes If Yes Please Explain:
References: Please list at least three ADULTS who have known you for at least one year. DO NOT LIST FRIENDS OR RELATIVES. One reference will be requested from your employer or school. Additional and/or different references may be required.
Reference 1
Name:
Address:
City:
Postal Code:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Relationship:
Reference 2
Name:
Address:
City:
Postal Code:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Relationship:
Reference 3
Name:
Address:
City:
Postal Code:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Relationship:
By checking of the true box below, I verify the information stated in this application to be true. I also understand that all information obtained will be held confidential. The information stated above is true.