Mentor Program
Through a Kidshope mentor program, students meet once a week for one hour with a mentor – someone who is there just for them. This one-on-one attention of another caring and consistent adult in a student’s life makes a difference!
Developed for public schools
- Adherence to separation of church and state
- Church partners cover all program costs, requiring minimal school staff investment
- Mentors are thoroughly screened, trained and supervised by the program director
Implemented by churches
- Opportunity to bless the community by serving in real and tangible ways
- Mentors acknowledge they are guests of the school and commit to respecting the program
- Building community relationships that support students to thrive
Connect with us to learn more about beginning and supporting a Kidshope mentor program at your church.
IMPACT ON YOUR CHURCH
When you engage your congregation in intentional mentoring relationships with students at your local elementary school, the positive influence extends to your church community.
This engagement of your church community offers:
- Visible outreach opportunities in your community, with open doors to engage other ministries.
- A way for new volunteers to get involved in the church community.
- Spiritual growth for mentors and prayer partners in building relationships that are wrapped in prayer.
“Kidshope is a really well-developed, simple system for both entry level and seasoned volunteers to plug into.” – Kidshope pastor
HOW IT WORKS
Kidshope helps to connect elementary schools and partner Christian churches, providing structure, training, support, and resources designed for use in public schools.
1
The church partner appoints a program director who is trained to lead volunteers and serve as a point of contact.
2
The church recruits volunteer mentors and prayer partners. Each volunteer completes an application, is interviewed and approved by the pastor. Each mentor is required to pass a background check.
3
Program director and school administration match mentors and students.
4
Mentors and students meet once a week for one hour during the school day.
Success From the Start
Before mentors and directors step foot in the elementary school to mentor, they engage in thorough and practical training. And, with the dedicated support of our program team, directors are provided one-on-one assistance from beginning their training, starting to mentor and continuing to build these transformative relationships.
Learn more about the training process by connecting with us.
Learn More join a learning session“I love mentoring because not only am I helping someone else, but I have been blessed as well. I have learned how to be a better person, mother and friend.” – Kidshope Mentor
Kidshope NEXT
The need for caring, consistent adults in children’s lives goes beyond elementary school. Kidshope NEXT is an extension of an existing Kidshope program that allows mentoring to continue into middle school.
If you are part of an existing program and would like to continue mentoring students as they go into middle school, connect with your program specialist.
Contact USOrganization Partnerships
Kidshope is excited to explore partnerships with Christian organizations who are passionate about building one-on-one relationships to support the community. As part of a pilot program, we’re inviting employees to go out into their local community to serve in this national mentoring movement.
If your organization is interested in learning more about the opportunities to step into meaningful relationships through mentoring, connect with us!
Contact USTAKE YOUR NEXT STEP
As the African proverb states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” With so many ways to get involved at Kidshope, you can take your next step in helping to provide love and support for students.
DISCOVER MY NEXT STEPFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Kidshope mentor program?
A Kidshope mentor program is a local missions initiative where a church or organization partners with their neighborhood elementary school to serve students through one-on-one mentoring. This partnership supports students by connecting them with screened, trained, and caring adult mentors who meet with them weekly during the school day.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a consistent, one-on-one relationship where an experienced, trusted adult provides a younger person (in this case, an elementary or middle school student) with conversation, guidance, and friendship.
Who runs and funds the mentor program?
The church or organizational partner runs and helps fund the Kidshope program. The church or organization covers a one-time implementation fee and an annual recurring fee. Many partners go beyond this by supporting the program through financial generosity, volunteer engagement, and prayer. This investment enables the ongoing positive impact of mentoring in their local school community.
How does the matching and mentoring process work?
Students are referred to the program by a designated point of contact from the school. The program director, who represents both the church (or organization) and Kidshope, manages the mentor-student matching process and serves as the liaison between the school and the church.
What training and screening do mentors receive?
Mentors complete a 3-step training process: Online training videos, course review and discussion, and on-site orientation at the school. Mentors also undergo background checks and a screening process to ensure they are prepared to support students safely and effectively.
What are the mentor qualifications and time commitment?
Mentors must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Regularly attend the church or be a part of the organization that runs the Kidshope program
- Be willing to meet with a student for one hour each week throughout the school year
Mentors should be compassionate, reliable, and sensitive to the needs of young students. They must follow program guidelines, maintain confidentiality, and respect the separation of church and state.
Can mentoring continue into middle school?
Yes! If a church or organization is already mentoring at a partner elementary school, they can expand their ministry by continuing relationships into middle school through the Kidshope NEXT Program.
What are the benefits of mentoring?
One-on-one mentoring relationships make a lasting difference in a child’s life. The benefits of mentoring are that students gain:
- Greater confidence and resilience
- Improved academic engagement
- Consistent emotional support
- A trusted adult who shows up just for them
The presence of a caring mentor can help a child feel seen, valued, and supported—both in school and in life.