Mentoring Program

This program was initially founded by alums of the Algebra Project to recruit and train high school and college Math Literacy workers for mentoring middle and and elementary school students.

Who are GEAR UP Lowell mentors?

Mentors are college students and professionals who work closely with our students to provide guidance on issues related to High School graduation, college admission, transition to college, and financial aid.

How can I become a mentor?

Please contact GEAR UP staff at Lowell High School.

Ten tips for mentoring

• Maintain regular contact.
  Mentors should assume they are the givers in the relationship. Consistent contact models dependability and builds trust. Twice a month is expected, but weekly contact is recommended.  
• Always be honest.
  Trust and respect are the foundations on which mentorship is built.
• Avoid being judgemental of a student's life situation.
  Acceptance without conditions communicates that your concern comes without strings attached.
• Avoid excessive gift giving.
  And don't do for a student what he/she can do for him/herself. Your greatest gift is to help a person discover his/her own solutions to the problems.
• Don't expect to have all the answers.
  Sometimes just listening attentively is all that people need.
• Help your students access resources and expand support networks.
  Discuss the importance of maintaining positive relationships.
• Be clear about your expectations and your boundaries.
  Set up ground rules and communicate them.
• Avoid being overwhelmed by your student's problems.
  Remain calm and dispassionate to help students solve problems.
• Respect confidentiality.
  Good friends do.
• Hang in there if the relationship seems to stall.
  Contact program coordinators if problems or concerns arise.

Source: Nancy Henry. Mentoring Myths and Tips. Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

Click here to go back to Programs.