Young people should not go through some things alone. Life is one of them. We need YOU to step up and become a mentor to a Columbus City School (CCS) student to show them they can when the world tells them they can't. 

In many ways, mentoring for the 2020-2021 school year will look different than what we are accustomed to. Our “new normal” in the COVID-19 environment will require us to take different approaches to how we teach, engage, and nurture students at every grade level. Our new Department of Engagement is working with high school principals to develop school-based mentoring plans that provide similar levels of student support balanced with health and safety guidelines. We’ve also enlisted the help of some of our community partners to create customized mentoring strategies.

As a CCS mentor, you would be expected to:

• Work with your student to develop high school and post-high school graduation goals and action plans
• Develop your student's issue spotting and problem-solving skills to help them navigate academic, personal, and professional life circumstances
• Listen, serve as a sounding board, and assist students in living their life by design rather than by default

All you need to be a great mentor is compassion, empathy, and the willingness to share your story.

If you have questions about mentoring, please contact our Office of Engagement at engage@columbus.k12.oh.us.