Roundtable for After-School Mentoring Partnerships (RAMP Up)

	Interested in becoming a mentor? Please fill out and email us the questionnaire below and we will contact you to schedule an interview. » RAMP Up Questionnaire Need more info? Contact RAMP UP at (646) 943-8725.

When a mentor shares time, interest and knowledge with a young person, the mentor can powerfully affect how that young person imagines his or her future. A mentor can boost the outlook and the confidence of a kid on the cusp of adolescence.

RAMP Up (Roundtable for After-School Mentoring Partnerships) seeks volunteers, including high school and college students and professionals, to serve as mentors to kids in seven elementary and middle schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem. In these school communities, many kids are reading well below their grade level and struggling to succeed. Only about one in 20 kids grows up to graduate from college. With an investment of as little as eight hours a month, volunteer mentors -- especially those familiar with these communities -- can show kids the way to achieve their dreams, regardless of obstacles in their path.

How Can High School Students Perform Community Service this Summer?

High school students have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills, perform a valuable service and fullfill community service requirements by providing encouragement and advice to younger kids as their mentors. High school students must apply to be mentors, must register to be trained on summer Fridays and commit to participating in fun group activities with other mentors and kids twice a month in July and August.

To become mentors, high school students should email Cyamada Smith at csmith@tascorp.org, or call 646-943-8725.

High school mentors will receive transportation to and from al training sessions and group activities and meals will be provided at training sessions. Students will be invited to participate in TASC high school leadership programs in the 2008-09 school year.

What are RAMP Up mentors expected to do during the school year?

Each mentor is expected to spend time with his or her young mentoring partner for eight hours a month, for one year. They can meet with their young partners at school, or elsewhere in New York. They can meet on weekdays after school, on weekends or during the summer. Mentors will serve as role models and help kids with schoolwork and in preparing for high school. But they will also explore together New York's vast recreational and cultural offerings. Twice a year, all RAMP Up mentors and their partner kids will go on group outings. RAMP Up's professional staff will arrange matches and support and supervise mentors in planning and executing activities.

Who can be a mentor?

You must be a trustworthy high school or college student or adult who is interested in listening to and guiding a young person. You should be open to learning from a kid who has a background and perspective that may be similar to yours, or different from anyone you know. You must pass through a screening process that includes a background check, a personal interview, reference checks and an orientation. Mentors will be paid for some trip expenses. Mentors will be chosen based on their interest, availability, and willingness to work with kids in disadvantaged communities.

Who will be mentored?

RAMP Up mentors work with students in 4th through 8th grade at seven New York City public schools. Their needs and situations are diverse, but most are referred by teachers, counselors, or after-school leaders who believe they can benefit from these relationships.

How do I know this is a safe, quality program?

RAMP Up's staff will arrange matches and support mentors in planning activities and building relationships with kids. It's the job of our professional staff to assure that meaningful activities will form the core of mentoring relationships. RAMP Up is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and follows guidelines for effective practice created by the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools.