Augusta County Schools
Mentorship Program
"A mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained."
Shawn Hitchcock
The Mentorship Program is an exciting, work-based learning experience available to highly motivated students during their senior year. The one semester course gives students the opportunity to work in a chosen occupation side by side with mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Mentors provide opportunities for the student to experience/observe typical interactions on the job and help the student understand the importance of technical skills as well as workplace "soft skills." The mentorship coordinator visits periodically to discuss experiences and assess progress. At the conclusion of the experience students share a presentation describing what they learned during the program and how it has impacted their future career plans. This valuable experience facilitates students making well-informed decisions regarding their future career by introducing them to the skills, education, and training necessary for success.
Mentorship is an exciting opportunity to...
Work with a local mentor and “try out” an occupation in a career field of interest
Learn the technical and soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace
Develop self-confidence and acquire leadership abilities
Make valuable connections in the work world
Discover if the career choice is the right one to help make well-informed choices for post-secondary education/training
The Mentorship Program is an exciting and unique work-based learning experience offered to highly motivated students during their senior year. The one semester course gives students the opportunity to work side by side with mentors who have chosen to share their knowledge, experience, and talents. Students report to a work site and participate in the daily routines and tasks of that job.
Who is Eligible:
The competitive program is open to highly motivated seniors from all Augusta County high schools. Submission of an application does not guarantee enrollment. Enrollment is based on attendance, academic performance, interview, good standing status with the school, and availability of an appropriate placement.
How Does It Work:
The main goal of the mentorship program is to give high school seniors an opportunity to experience what it is like to work in a chosen occupation. The experience is directed by a mentor who is established and successful in that field. During the spring and summer the mentorship coordinator works with enrolled students to secure a placement with a mentor in a career field of interest and to complete all paperwork and training.
Mentorship takes place for one semester; either fall semester (August–December), spring semester (January–May), or during the summer.
During the scheduled semester, the student will report to mentorship for approximately two hours during the school day - either during the morning or during the afternoon. Summer hours are flexible.
Students obtain a minimum of 140 hours in order to earn credit for the mentorship program. Most students exceed these hours.
Mentors provide opportunities for the student to experience/observe typical interactions on the job and help the student understand the importance of workplace "soft skills" as well as technical skills.
Confidentiality in the workplace is of utmost importance and is emphasized to students.
Experiences, major tasks, and the number of hours worked are documented.
The student is evaluated by the mentor and the mentorship coordinator. Grades are assigned.
The mentorship coordinator visits periodically to discuss experiences and assess progress.
A formal presentation is given at the end of the semester to summarize the experience.
Timeline:
Junior Year - student requests mentorship as an elective course as part of their senior schedule
December-February - student completes the online application; available 12/1 - 2/20
March - mentorship coordinator interviews applicants and reviews applications
April - student receives a letter notifying him/her of enrollment status
Spring/Summer - mentorship coordinator attempts to secure a mentorship placement
1st day of senior semester - student attends an orientation meeting on the first day of the semester he/she is scheduled for mentorship
Mentorship begins on the second day of the semester or in late May/early June for summer mentorship