FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MENTORING

How are mentors chosen?

Our one-to-one mentors are volunteers who learn about our program through churches, service clubs, community events, press releases and word of mouth. Our mentors must complete an initial training course and submit background checks before they are matched with a student. We match students and mentors based on gender, personality, and interests. Our mentors range college age to retirement age, and come from every walk of life, economic, and racial background. Most have completed college and all feel they were fortunate in their lives and now want to give something back. Chester County Futures arranges the first meeting with the student, parents, and mentor. After that the mentor and student meet at least monthly for a variety of activities that they choose together.

How are students chosen?

Once a completed application has been received from both the school and the student, a personal interview is arranged with the student at their school. Students are selected based on

• Teacher recommendations
• Academic performance
• Attendance
• Motivation
• Application and personal interview

We do not necessarily take the students with the strongest academic records but are looking for the students that would benefit most from our program. We are looking for students who will take full advantage of the opportunities available to them through Chester County Futures. This is assessed through the student application and in the personal interview. We look for students who have a strong desire to pursue college or a post-secondary education, have a good school attendance record, and who wish to fully participate in the Chester County Futures program.

What are the student’s responsibilities?

Each year students are asked to sign a Student Responsibilities sheet. The responsibilities include attending all in-school meetings. At each meeting the program coordinator covers specific topics including time management, effective communication, study skills and other aspects of academic enrichment as they pertain to achieving goals in order to pursue a college or post-secondary education.

Chester County Futures also sponsors an incentive program where students receive points for attendance, good grades, and participation. They can earn monetary awards each marking period and a $6,000.00 stipend at the end of high school for post-secondary pursuits.

What is the parent's role in Chester County Futures?

We ask parents to encourage their students in their academic studies and to support our program activities. Parents are asked to attend their student's training session in order to become familiar with the commitment to the Chester County Futures program. Mentors are instructed to ask for parental permission before planning an event and to follow any of the parent’s rules, such as curfews. Through regular communication, parents are kept informed of all Futures events and encouraged to participate. Our staff is here as a resource for parents and can help advocate for their child at school and provide information on the college application process. We strongly encourage parents to be involved in our program and welcome their input as a key component to their children’s success.

How is the scholarship awarded?

A student who has been accepted into a college or other accredited post-secondary institution is eligible to receive a check of up to $750 per semester for eight semesters. A student must show proof of enrollment and semester grades each semester in order to receive their money. Students must be enrolled full-time to receive the full amount. A student has up to six years following high school graduation to utilize their scholarship dollars. This allows for a semester or two off during college if necessary. This is considered a “last-dollar” scholarship because checks are sent to the student and not the school and can be used for transportation, books, supplies, and other living expenses not covered by the financial aid package.