To increase the number of Maryland youth in quality mentoring relationships with caring adults for the purpose of enhancing academic and career options, raising self esteem and empowering youth toward self sufficiency. Mentors are asked to make a commitment of 1 academic school year. Summer mentorships are also available. Maryland Mentoring Partnership will provide training for all mentors. Locations are available through multiple schools throughout the city and state. Ms. Simon will work with each individual interested in volunteering to find a location and student to mentor. Mentor:
A wise and trusted friend and guide. Mentoring:
A committed relationship between an adult and youth or the youth's family focused on developing the character and the capabilities of the young person. Informal Mentoring:
A natural or unstructured connection between a caring adult and a young person that validates the youth and creates a safe, supportive and positive relationship outside of an organized, mentoring focused program (e.g., family/extended family members, neighbors, coaches, teachers, adults at church, etc.). Formal Mentoring:
A connection between a caring adult and a young person that validates the youth and creates a safe, supportive, and positive relationship where the participants come together through an organized mentoring-focused program (e.g., community agency programs, school tutoring programs, youth organizations, organized church programs, etc.). A mentor may play many roles:
guide, friend, listener, cheerleader, confidant, responsible adult, coach, tutor, link to other cultures, attitudes and behaviors, brother/sister. A mentor's role is not to act as a
savior, foster parent, therapist, parole officer, cool peer. Recipe for Mentoring A little bit of time
A heart full of caring
Two good listening ears
A handful of encouragement
An ounce of understanding
And a whole lot of patience Mix all of the ingredients together to make a difference in a child's life. | 
