Mountain Scholars Mentors
Mentors are matched one-on-one with students to provide academic, personal, and professional support, encouragement, and growth.
Mentors build relationships and are a support network for students to process experiences to become resilient and persistent learners and young adults.
Criteria for mentors
- Bachelor’s degree
- Agree to be a mentor for at least 1 year and ideally through the student’s graduation
- Commit to meeting monthly with your assigned mentee. More face-to-face meetings are especially needed in the beginning. It is understandable that sometimes schedules do not align or mentors may be out of town. However, try to stay in contact and connect virtually if needed.
- Maturity and experience (at least 3 years older than the mentee) is needed to:
- build trust and create a safe space for the student
- listen and help student process
- have self-awareness
- ability to support student’s journey regardless of career choice
- have the skills to support mentees navigating their own journey
Role of a Mentor
A mentor is a good listener and advocates for the mentee and the mentee’s story.
A mentor is not a professional tutor, social worker, or counselor. However, the mentor should help the mentee access those services when needed in partnership with CMC Staff.
A mentor should contact CMC staff anytime and particularly when:
- You have not heard from your mentee within a week of contacting them
- Your mentee needs additional support beyond what you can provide – this can look different for every student
- You are not sure how to handle a situation with your mentee
Interested in Becoming a Mentor? Reach out to:
Andrea Walker
Student Support Services/Pathways Coordinator
aswalker@coloradomtn.edu
970-989-1304
Steps to Becoming a Mentor
1. Face-to-Face Interview with CMC Staff for program overview and mentee matching
2. Complete the Mentor Intake Form
3. Complete Background Check
Make a gift that lasts a lifetime!
Contact Stephanie Beste at sbeste@coloradomtn.edu for information on how you can support our endowment.
Bonnie Ward
“I became a mentor because I love working with teens and young adults. I began my forty year career in education as a high school math teacher. Mentoring allows me to continue my connection with young adults who are aspiring to earn a college degree.
“Becoming a mentor means that you have a sincere desire to support and encourage a young adult all the while showing empathy, flexibility and the ability to listen.”
Don Parsons
“As a mentor, I have learned that each student faces unique academic, social, economic, and cultural challenges. I have been privileged to work with a variety of students who have taught me a great deal while I have tried to help them with challenges and inspire them to reach their goals and their potential.”
