Become a Mentor

Are you interested in mentoring a high school senior through the college application process?

Mentors have a powerful, lasting impact on our students. In fact, GUIDES (Gearing Up Individuals to Drive for Educational Success) mentors serve one of the more crucial roles in our students’ march to college.

Applications for the 2025 – 2026 school year are currently open.

2025 – 2026 Application

GUIDES Mentors

GUIDES mentors assist PFF high school seniors with the college, financial aid, and scholarship application processes — processes that can sometimes seem overwhelming to students, especially those who are striving to be the first in their family to attend colleges. A mentor works with one or two students at a time, meeting on a monthly basis with each mentee over the course of seven months and communicating with each mentee weekly.

Mentors support students with managing the details of the applications and ensuring that all of the necessary information is complete and delivered on time. They also can attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events.

GUIDES Mentor Role

  • Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship.
  • Serve as a positive role model and friend.
  • Strive for mutual respect.
  • Build self-esteem and motivation.
  • Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them.
  • Be a willing listener who is encouraging and supportive.
  • Communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities.

Mentor Benefits

  • Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals.
  • Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals.
  • Training sessions and group activities.
  • Participation in a mentor support group.
  • Mileage and expenses are tax deductible.
  • Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed.
  • Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, and participant recognition events.

GUIDES Mentoring FAQs

How do I sign up?

Submit a completed application electronically. The GUIDES application can be found here.

If I mentored in the past two years, do I have to re-submit an application?

Yes, you will have to submit a shorter returning GUIDES application.

How do we submit our monthly reports?

Reports are submitted through Google Forms.

How long are the trainings?

Initial GUIDES training is a minimum two hours.  Partnership for the Future will facilitate the trainings.

If I mentored in previous years do I have to attend the training this year?

Yes. Please attend a training this year. It will be a good refresher. Also, returning mentors have valuable experiences and suggestions to share with new mentors. 

I cannot make any of the scheduled training sessions. What should I do? 

PFF wants to work with all potential mentors to make sure they are trained and prepared to mentor PFF students. We ask that every mentor attend the Organization training and at least one training. If none of the scheduled training dates or times fit your schedule contact tracy.brower@partnershipforthefuture.org.

Do I have to pay for the Criminal History Check?

PFF will cover any fees associated with the criminal history check. However, if you would like to cover the cost, then please select that option. 

Will I get to meet the student(s) before working with them?

Yes, at the Meet and Greet. 

If I am assigned two students, do I meet with them at the same time or different times?

If you are assigned to work with two students, then it is up to you if you want to meet with them at the same time during the scheduled monthly Application Working Sessions.  Being paired with two students is advantageous (i.e. peer motivation)! 

I cannot attend the Meet and Greet. What should I do?

The scheduled Meet and Greet is the only opportunity PFF will have all Level 4 Students together in one virtual room before the Application Working Sessions begin. We ask that every mentor attend the Meet and Greet before the first Application Working Session in October. If the scheduled Meet and Greet time does not fit your schedule contact tracy.brower@partnershipforthefuture.org. 

I cannot make all of the monthly Application Working Sessions from October-April. What should I do?

Don’t worry! You can still participate! There will be certain scheduled Application Working Sessions that PFF Students cannot make either (due to sports, extra-curricular activities, church, etc.). If a PFF Student and/or a Mentor cannot make a scheduled Application Working Session, they can re-schedule, that same month, at a convenient time and location that is computer accessible (i.e. after school hours and at a local library, high school, etc.).

For More Information Contact:

Tracy Brower
804-807-4146
Tracy.Brower@partnershipforthefuture.org