Prospective Mentors

Eager to help make a difference in the life of a child?

What to expect in a 4-H youth mentoring program

A mentor in a 4-H mentoring program can expect personal ongoing support, encouragement and guidance from 4-H staff as the mentoring relationship progresses. To make certain that both the mentee and the mentor are having a positive, life enriching experience, 4-H staff will conduct regular communication with the mentor, the mentee and the parent or guardian to discuss the match, problems and progress. Most 4-H programs typically expect a mentor to spend at least one hour each week with the mentee, with most of the programs lasting for at least one year. Many 4-H programs provide group activities, program recognition events and complimentary tickets to community events in which mentors and mentees may optionally participate. At the completion of the program, 4-H staff will support and assist in the closure of the mentoring relationship. It is the goal of 4-H staff both to see that youth develop and reach positive academic, career and personal goals through a successful mentorship, and also that the 4-H mentor gains personal fulfillment and self-development through contribution to the community and individual.

To learn more about specific expectations and goals in the 4-H mentoring program in your area, go to “4-H Youth Mentoring Programs in Michigan” in the Resources below and look for a county near you. Then press the link for contact information.

Mentor selection and criteria

Teens

Each 4-H mentoring program has its own eligibility criteria and policies for selecting and screening volunteers. To learn more about the requirements and selection procedures in your county, see “4-H Youth Mentoring Programs in Michigan.” Press the link for your county. Call and speak to the mentoring program coordinator.

Listed below are general volunteer criteria required of all MSU Extension 4-H mentoring programs.

A volunteer must:

Be willing to complete the county’s mentoring program application process
Be willing to complete the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process
Be willing to follow all program policies and procedures
Not falsify information during the course of the screening process
Not use illicit drugs
Not use alcohol or controlled substances in an excessive or inappropriate manner or while participating as a volunteer mentor

Listed below are possible application requirements: (For the actual application requirements for your county’s mentoring program, contact the mentoring program coordinator for your county on the 4-H Youth Mentoring Programs in Michigan resource.)

Application
MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process (required)
Driving record
Copy of driver’s license
Interview
References
Confidentiality agreement
Mentor contract

Characteristics of a good mentor

Good mentors:

Are active listeners
Are patient and caring
Are flexible and open to new ideas
Have a good attitude
Are dependable and reliable
Set realistic and appropriate goals
Listen and accept guidance and feedback

Michigan counties currently offering mentoring progams

New 4-H mentoring programs are being developed in counties across Michigan each year. To see an updated listing of Michigan counties currently offering 4-H mentoring programs, see “4-H Youth Mentoring Programs in Michigan.”

Other mentoring programs in Michigan

Michigan 4-H Youth Development strives to continue to develop and offer caring and supportive mentoring opportunities for youth and volunteers in Michigan. Unfortunately, not every Michigan county currently operates a 4-H mentoring program. If you are a volunteer interested in becoming a mentor in a county not currently operating a mentoring program, there are many other mentoring opportunities with other organizations in Michigan. Visit Mentor Michigan to see a list of organizations offering mentoring opportunities in your area.