Peer Mentoring
Looking for an opportunity to gain new skills, build community, and support a younger teen who may be dealing with struggles you’ve been through? Apply to be a Peer Mentor with UpStreet!
Overview
Have you seen younger teens struggling with things you’ve experienced? Do you wish you could offer them advice that got you through a hard time? That’s what UpStreet’s Peer Mentoring program aims to help with.
As a peer mentor, you’ll provide younger peers with a safe space to open up about the challenges of middle and high school, especially when it comes to mental and emotional health. The program is text-message-based, meaning that mentors can participate from anywhere and provide ongoing support and conversation.
2024 Summer Cohort
Monday, April 8th | Application Deadline
Wednesday, April 17th | Mentors Notified
Sunday, April 28 (10 am – 4:30 pm) | All-Day Training
Sundays (1 – 4 pm) – May 5, May 19, June 9 | Afternoon Trainings
Mid-May – Mid-June | Mentor-Mentee Matching & Intros
Monday, June 17 – Sunday, August 4th | Mentoring Program
Week of August 5th (date & time TBD) | Virtual Wrap Up
What can mentors expect from the program?
- Local expert-led training on mentoring, mental health, grief, LGBTQ+ identity, and healthy relationships
- Community-building activities with fellow mentors and UpStreet staff
- Getting paired with a mentee based on shared interests, identities, and need
- Participating in at least twice-weekly text message conversations (at set times) with their mentee
- Direct support from UpStreet therapists
- Optional UpStreet staff-led weekly mentor “drop-in” hour for additional support via Zoom
- A wrap-up celebration
What are the benefits for mentors?
- Strengthen their peer support and mentoring skills
- Develop a deeper understanding of teen mental health, grief, LGBTQ+ identity, and healthy relationships
- Build empathy and self-confidence
- Gain leadership experience
- Make new friends and connections through mentor training
- Increase awareness of local resources for youth
Important Information
Application Requirements
Clearances:
– “PA Child Abuse Clearance” PACA/Act 33
– “PA PATCH/Act 34
– FBI background check (if 18+)
Three references
Parent permission (if under 18)
Virtual or in-person UpStreet interview
Program Commitment
– Attend all Sunday mandatory trainings
– Have a personal smartphone with reliable data for the text-based mentoring app
– Commit to text messaging with mentee at least 2x each week
– Submit a weekly online feedback form to the program coordinator
– Be responsive to e-mails and communication with the program coordinator
2024 Summer Cohort
Monday, April 8th | Application Deadline
Wednesday, April 17th | Mentors Notified
Sunday, April 28 (10 am – 4:30 pm) | All-Day Training
Sundays (1 – 4 pm) – May 5, May 19, June 9 | Afternoon Trainings
Mid-May – Mid-June | Mentor-Mentee Matching & Intros
Monday, June 17 – Sunday, August 4th | Mentoring Program
Week of August 5th (date & time TBD) | Virtual Wrap Up