Covington Partners is committed to working with the schools of Covington to operate the Covington Partners Mentoring Program. By mentoring one student, you can change two lives. You can share your time and talents by getting involved in one of the following mentoring programs:

HOW TO BECOME A MENTOR:

1. Application - Once you select a program that you are interested in, complete the mentoring application and return to Covington Partners.

2. Background Checks - The Covington Partners Mentoring Program will run a background check that could include checking your criminal background history, driving record, and running your name through the national sex offender registry. All information obtained from you will remain confidential.

3. Interview and Reference Checks - A program coordinator will interview you and contact the three references listed on your application. For Community-Based Mentoring, we also require a visit to your home.

4. Orientation and Training - Before beginning as a mentor, you will attend a 30 to 60-minute one-on-one orientation session with a staff member. During this time, the staff member will discuss all program policies, provide you with relevant information and support materials, and will answer any remaining questions you may have.

5. Matching Process and First Meeting - The program will use your interests and other information from the interview process to match you with a youth. We will arrange your first meeting, introduce you to your student, and be available to help as you get to know one another.

6. Ongoing Support - The organization will continue to follow up with you, your mentee, and the parent/guardian of the mentee on a regular basis. Covington Partners Mentoring Program also provides on-going training opportunities, periodic mentor events, and are always available for support if you need it.

School-based and community-based mentoring:

Each mentor meets for an hour once a week with a 6th-12th grade student at Holmes Middle or High School.  Meetings take place during the school day through school-based mentoring or outside of school in the evenings or on the weekends through community-based mentoring. All mentoring matches have access to a staff member who is available to support and guide the relationship if mentors should have any questions or concerns. Mentors who want to work with middle or high school students must be 21 years or older.

"Mentoring has shown me that there is more to life than just myself. I am happy to give my time to be a positive role model in a young adult’s life."

-CPMP Mentor          

Lunch Buddy:

Mentors are matched with a 3rd-5th grade student and spend 30 minutes each week during the student’s scheduled lunchtime. Each mentor is provided with a guide for optional activities and conversations that will help the mentor and student get to know each other and enhance the time spent together. Lunch Buddies is conveniently offered at all five elementary schools in Covington Independent Public Schools and Lunch Buddy mentors must be 18 years or older.

After School Buddy:

Our After School Buddy program is great for mentors who would prefer to stop in to visit on their way home from work in the late afternoons or who need some flexibility in their meeting times. Mentors are matched with a 3rd-5th grade student and spend 30-60 minutes each week after school (between 3:00 and 5:30 p.m.). Each mentor is provided with a guide for optional activities and conversations that will help the mentor and student get to know each other and enhance the time that the match spends together. They are also welcome to watch or join in any activity that is going on during their time together. The After School Buddy program is offered at all five elementary schools in Covington Independent Public Schools. After School Buddy mentors must be 18 years or older.

  "The day I got my mentor was the first time I ever felt like anyone has ever seen me the way I see myself.  She saw the potential that I had and that I wasn't a bad kid. I just needed someone to listen to me. I will forever be grateful to her for that. She taught me to be proud of being a woman, and how important it is to support ALL women. I will never forget her and all the wonderful lessons she taught me. I hope one day I can take what she taught me and teach other women." 

-CPMP Mentee          

One to One Reading or math Coach:

In this program, One to One coaches meet with a student in 1st through 3rd grade for 35 minutes per week to improve their reading or math skills. One to One mentors must complete a six-hour training at the beginning of the school year before working with students, and all coaching materials are provided free of charge. This program is for adults, 21 years or older.

WORK-BASED MENTORING:

Students are matched one-to-one with an adult professional in a chosen field of interest to explore a career, career interests, and related workplace and career development issues. Meetings take place once a month at your worksite and additionally remotely or in-person once a month. For adults, 21 years and older. This program is limited. For more information about work-based mentoring, please contact Kate Andriacco.

Since its inception, the Covington Partners Mentoring Program has had over 1,100 (unduplicated) caring adults witness firsthand the meaning behind #MentorOneStudentChangeTwoLives. During the 2022-2023 school year, more than 220 adults dedicated two to four hours a month serving as positive role models to students in Covington. Data show that these positive relationships are highly impactful and students with mentors increase their school attendance, behavior, and academic achievement.

 Click HERE for steps on how to become a mentor.

 Click HERE to download the mentoring application.

  Click HERE to download a Covington Partners Mentoring Program flyer.

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