Hometown Mentors – Frequently Asked Questions

Who are HOMETOWN Mentors?

HOMETOWN Mentors (HTMs) are community members who value higher education and helping youth to be successful in their lives. They come with a variety of career and community service experience. HTMs share a common goal of providing a support system for the Achievers Scholarship Candidates or ASCs as the students prepare for college. Mentoring involves a working relationship with the ASCs, and the CSF staff based at each Achievers high school.

As students from low-income backgrounds, ASCs often face many challenges outside of the high school environment, such as living in difficult home situations, working long hours to contribute to the family income, caretaking responsibilities for younger siblings, or the challenge of learning with English as a second language. HTMs advocate for and actively encourage and guide the ASC towards pursuing college as a realistic, post-high school goal.

What do HOMETOWN Mentors do?

The HTMs have many roles, such as:

• Support ASC from the spring of their junior year through their first two months in college.
• Model positive social behaviors such as integrity, punctuality, work ethics, compassion.
• Schedule and prepare meetings with the ASC at least once a month during the school year to develop a one-on-one relationship.
• Share information about college admission and financial aid forms (training provided).
• Discuss career and academic goals.
• Help prepare students for college and life beyond high school.
• Attend mentor-training sessions and refer to HTM Reference Manual regularly.
• Maintain regular communication with the College Preparatory (Prep) Advisor through monthly meeting logs and/or e-mail.

What are the qualifications for HOMETOWN Mentors?

• Value higher education and the goal of obtaining a four-year college degree (preference will be given to applicants with college experience/attendance).
• Enjoy working with high school juniors and seniors.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have an appreciation for cultural diversity and an ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Commit to mentoring ASC from the junior year of high school through his or her first two months in college.
• Able to meet the student on the high school campus.
• Submit to and pass background checks.

Do HOMETOWN Mentors receive special training?

HTMs will receive training and skill development aimed at enhancing their knowledge of the college admissions process and their relationship with the ASCs. Mentors will receive an initial orientation/training program, followed by in-service training. A mentor "coach" known as the College Prep Advisor will be available to provide guidance and support throughout the experience. Topics covered during the initial orientation/training will include:

• Introduction and overview of the CSF HOMETOWN Mentor Program.
• Mentor's roles, responsibilities and partnerships.
• Working knowledge of college admission processes.
• Working knowledge of scholarship and financial aid processes.

How are HOMETOWN Mentors selected?

Mentors are selected through an application process, which includes:

• Review of the applicant's completed application.
• Background check with the Washington State Patrol.
• Review of letters of reference.
• Personal interview with the designated high school College Prep Advisor.

How do I obtain an application?

To apply, click here.

How do I obtain a Hometown Mentor Reference Manual?

Contact the College Prep Advisor at your mentee’s high school.