I AM and SummerTIME | Mentors

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Are you a graduate student or staff member at USC? Sign up to mentor and advise one or two high school students transitioning from high school to college!

As an I AM mentor, you’ll be able to share your valuable knowledge and experience of the college admission and financial aid process with first-generation, low-income students who often do not have family members to guide them through this challenging endeavor. To see the impact a mentor can make in a student’s life, read the success stories of a few of our I AM alums.

In addition, if you are a master’s student at the USC Rossier School of Education, you’ll be able to receive fieldwork credit for your mentoring efforts.[/vc_column_text]

Christina Rocha and Carlos Galan were once student mentees in the I AM program. They both went on to pursue graduate degrees at USC---and returned to the I AM program as mentors. Rocha currently serves as the outreach advisor for I AM and SummerTIME; Galan is a PhD candidate at University of California, Riverside.

About I AM Mentors

We are currently seeking mentors who are encouraging and supportive of students. Patience, flexibility, and sensitivity to students’ concerns and issues is desired. Mentors are encouraged to be willing listeners, tolerant and respectful of individual differences. Experience working with high school students (especially first-generation, low-income students) is strongly preferred, but not required.

Application Requirements

Qualified mentors must have an interest in working with young people and be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitment required for the program. Once selected for the program, mentors must complete a screening process, which includes:

  • TB test
  • LAUSD LiveScan
  • USC Background check
  • Online training
  • In person training

Mentor Role

  • Meet with mentee through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship helping them through the college admissions process
  • Build a relationship with mentee by working on college admissions requirements and discussing college knowledge (e.g. majors, life on campus, student organizations)
  • Help set goals and ensure that mentee meets college admissions deadlines
  • Motivate mentee to attend 4-year university—preferably a UC or private institution
  • Serve as a positive role model

Time Commitment

  • Make a commitment for one academic year (September-June)
  • Spend a minimum two to four hours per month one-to-one with a mentee
  • Communicate with mentee bi-weekly via email/phone
  • Communicate regularly with program staff, submitting activity information and taking constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
  • Attend a mandatory mentor training orientation in September
  • Attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events

Apply Now

For the application or any questions contact Christine Rocha (rochac@usc.edu) or the Pullias Center (213-740-2718 or pullias@usc.edu)