Black Bear Mentors
Click HERE to apply!
MISSION – The Black Bear Mentor Program provides area youth with the opportunity to develop assets needed to thrive by building safe, healthy relationships with trained, committed college student volunteers. UMaine students are matched with a student in grades 3-8 in the local community and meet once a week afterschool.
VISION – University of Maine students have increased civic commitment and local youth have increased commitment to school and seek post-secondary education and
training.
Mentoring takes place between 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the mentee’s school, and carpooling is available. Each week there are fun activities and games to do with your mentee as you build a safe, healthy relationship together! Please contact MacKayla Faloon (581-1786) with questions.
Click HERE to apply!
All Mentors receive professional development training focusing on 40 Development Assets, SPARKS, and College Positive Volunteerism.
The Black Bear Mentor Program serves the following sites
Old Town Elementary School
Leonard Middle School, Old Town
Lewis Libby School, Milford
In 2010 the Black Bear Mentor Program entered in a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine. BBBSMM expanded their service area to include Penobscot County, and they provide training and administrative guidance as well as match support to our program. To learn more about the BBBSMM program, visit their website.
How do I become a Black Bear Mentor?
- Fill out the Black Bear Mentor Application (Applications generally in fall semester)
- “Zoom in” or meet for an Interview
- Complete the screening process
- Attend training/orientation
Mentor Screening Process
Prior to acceptance in the program, UMaine students complete a screening process which meets the requirements of the local schools and our community partners.
The process includes:
- Application
- Personal interview
- National criminal background check*
- Sex offender registry check
- Reference check
The Office of Community Standards, Rights and Responsibilities (UMaine student conduct) reviews mentor names on an annual basis.
Each mentor completes annual training, including program and site rules, mentor responsibilities, and site orientation.
*Criminal background checks are valid for three years and must be completed a second time for any mentor staying with the program for more than 3 years.