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Mentor Program
What is Chinquapin’s Mentor Program?
Chinquapin pairs our junior and senior students with adults with overlapping career fields or interests.
The program’s primary purpose is to provide individual attention and role models emphasizing the benefits of attending college and pursuing productive careers. There are planned events throughout the year, and we encourage mentors to connect with their mentees once or twice a month and arrange additional activities independently. We appreciate any time you can give from your busy schedule.
Interested in Mentoring?
Please email Laura Hipps
Why mentor?
Becoming a mentor at Chinquapin is rewarding and allows you to influence a motivated, talented young adult. Our students often seek role models outside their community, offering you a chance to show them the possibilities in “the real world.”
Responsibilities/Activities
Four events per year:
- Get To Know You gathering in the fall.
- Winter Dinner in early January at an in-town restaurant.
- College/Career Day on campus, held during the spring semester.
- Graduation in late May.
Suggested activities during the year:
- Trips to civic, cultural, or sports events or restaurants
- Assist with resume writing, interview skills, application forms, or other informal career guidance
- Practice conversation and writing letters to develop communication skills
- Take part in a community service project together
- Offer guidance and support; introduce them to your family; make them feel special
- College visits
Communication:
- Try to e-mail or text at least once a month.
- Hand-written letters are a great way to reach out to students.
Qualities of Successful Mentors
- Commitment to the Relationship
- Desire to invest in a long-term mentoring relationship.
- Aim to be part of the mentee’s life and help with tough decisions.
- Respect and Empathy
- Genuine respect for the mentee’s ability to make their own choices.
- Empathize without pity, understanding feelings and problems even without shared experiences.
- Effective Communication
- Help by listening, asking thoughtful questions, and allowing exploration of thoughts.
- Convey respect and equal dignity, building trust and rapport.
- Problem-Solving Skills
- See solutions and opportunities as well as barriers.
- Balance respect for challenges with optimism for solutions.
- Flexibility and Openness
- Recognize relationships take time and require two-way communication.
- Willing to learn from the mentee and adapt to new perspectives.
- Reliability
- Ability to follow through with commitments in the mentoring relationship.
Thanks for carefully considering the requirements of this two-year program before committing. Our juniors and seniors thrive in the mentoring program, and we wish all our students the best experience possible.
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Contact Info
2615 E. Wallisville Rd.
Highlands, TX 77562
(281) 426-5551
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Chinquapin Preparatory School does not discriminate in admissions, hiring or firing of faculty/staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services against any individual on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (gender expression), marital status, age, disability, race, color, national or ethnic origin (ancestry), military status, or religion (creed) in any of its activities or operations in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Chinquapin is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our Board, faculty/staff, students/families, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and donors. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion. Chinquapin Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of sex in education programs and/or activities, admissions, or employment. Any member of the Chinquapin community should promptly report any instances of discrimination, harassment, or violence.
