Title:Volunteer Mentor
Reports to: Saturday Programs Director
Time Commitment: ~2.5 hours per week on select Saturdays
Schedule:September - May
Long-term Commitment:3-year cycle (Sophomore through Senior year)
Our Mission
Minds Matter Houston transforms the lives of highly motivated high school students from low-income communities. We bridge the opportunity gap by providing the resources, mentorship, and support necessary for students to thrive in college and beyond. Our students have the ambition; we provide the roadmap.
The Role: Your Journey as a Mentor
As a Mentor, you are more than a tutor; you are a champion for a student’s potential. You will be paired with a bright, motivated student starting in their sophomore year, walking alongside them until they walk across the stage at high school graduation.
Key Responsibilities: Relational Mentorship: Build a consistent, trusting 1-on-1 relationship. You will be a stable presence, helping your mentee navigate the social and academic pressures of high school. College Access Coaching: Guide your mentee through the complexities of college research, fly-in programs, and the application process. Skill Advocacy: Facilitate growth in "power skills"—time management, professional communication, and goal-setting—using the Minds Matter curriculum. Summer Program Support: Assist your mentee in applying for competitive summer academic programs at top-tier universities. Academic Accountability: Provide a supportive "nudge" to ensure program assignments and schoolwork remain a priority. What We’re Looking For We seek professionals and community leaders who are as committed to our students' success as they are to their own. The "Long View": The ability to commit to a three-year cycle is essential. Your consistency is the bedrock of your mentee's success. Educational Advocates: A firm belief that a student's zip code should not determine their destination. Empathetic Leadership: A balance of high expectations and deep compassion for the barriers our students face. Reliability: Our sessions happen on Saturdays; showing up is the first and most important part of the job. Clearance: Ability to pass a comprehensive background check. The Mentor Experience A Structured Community: You aren't on an island. You will work within the Programming Team, supported by staff and a cohort of fellow mentors. Professional Networking: Connect with a diverse, high-achieving network of volunteers across Houston’s corporate, medical, and civic sectors. Skill Development: Hone your coaching, active listening, and leadership skills through our comprehensive training and ongoing workshops. Tangible Legacy: Experience the profound satisfaction of seeing "your" student receive their college acceptance letters and realize their dreams. How to Apply Ready to change a life? https://mindsmatter.tfaforms.net/310839 Minds Matter Houston: Transforming lives, one student at a time. For more information, visit www.mindsmatterhouston.org or email us at volunteers@mindsmatterhouston.org
