Grizzlies Team Mentoring
Posted by Eric Bleier on December 08, 2010
Adults interested in mentoring youth in a group setting with two other adults will have that chance in 2011
Background:
In January 2011, the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation will implement a group or “team” mentoring program in two (2) school sites. The pilot programs will be based in public charter schools. Once the model has been refined and
process solidified, additional partners will be confirmed in Summer 2011. For complete information and the application to be a mentor please complete this form and return to us via fax at (901) 205-1444, mentor@grizzlies.com or mail:
Grizzlies Foundation
191 Beale St
Memphis, TN 38103
Objectives for TEAM Mentoring:
Grizzlies “Team” Mentoring will enable the Grizzlies Foundation and its partners to (a) reach more youth, (b) engage more volunteers, and (c) foster retention among volunteers. Private-Public Ventures notes in a 2006 report: “Group mentoring programs have been shown to attract volunteer mentor applicants who might otherwise, be uncomfortable
with the level of intimacy and commitment needed for one-to-one matches.”
Stats:
School-based mentoring
3:9 adult to student ratio
Middle-school aged students
10-month/ 2 semester duration
Weekly meetings with students; 1 ½ hours per visit
Activities addressing team-building, leadership, cultural understanding, civic engagement, health and wellness
and college attainment/ completion
Mentor commitment:
School year-10 months*
Initial training plus two (2) supplemental team meetings
Meet weekly with team members/ students
Group activities (e.g. community service project, Memphis Grizzlies game, and/or college campus tour)
*Note: Pilot Year will extend January 2011-‐May 2012; approx. 16 months
Pilot sites:
Freedom Preparatory Academy - “Freedom Team”
Freedom Preparatory Academy prepares students in grades 6-12 to excel in college and in life through a highly structured, academically rigorous environment where students master core subjects, develop advanced academic skills and demonstrate values of Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Excellence, and Community.
6 & 7th grade students/ Mixed gender teams
Wednesdays, 4:00-‐5:30pm.
Contact: N’seeka MacPherson at 901-259-5959 or nmacpherson@freedomprep.org.
http://www.freedomprep.org/
Power Center Academy - “Power Team”
Power Center Academy is a Memphis Public Charter School located in the heart of the Hickory Hill community serving grades 6 through 8. The mission of Power Center Academy is to develop future leaders of the community by teaching scholars to be innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and humanitarians.
7th and 8th grade students/ All male teams.
Thursdays, 3:30-5:00pm.
Contact: Anne Frisby at 901-333-6874 or frisbya@powercenteracademy.org
http://www.powercentercdc.org/#programs_scroll
Process to become involved:
1) Fill out a TEAM Mentor Program Application and send to the Grizzlies Foundation
2) Background and fingerprint check
3) Interview
4) Attend a 2-3 hour training/ orientation and later have opportunities for follow-‐up training and development
FAQs
What students would be selected for the mentoring program?
Each school has selected students that are having a difficult time adjusting to the school culture and struggle to uphold the values espoused by the schools. At Freedom Prep, students are a mix of male/ female in 6th and 7th grade; at Power Center Academy, students are eighth grade boys. Students are expected to adjust with the presence of positive role models, and will in turn, be leaders and role models among their peers.
What criteria must I meet to be a mentor?
Willingness. Openness. Eagerness. And a commitment to consistently meet with your team and cultivate relationships
with students throughout the term of mentoring. For the pilot sites, this requires mentoring weekly for three semesters.
How does the mentoring program contribute to the school’s mission and student outcome expectations?
Both charter schools are college preparatory, and they are committed to prepare students to excel in college and in life. By addressing students’ issues in smaller groups, it will provide them with the attention and motivation needed to
improve their overall school performance, social skills, relationships, decision-making, self-esteem, and future goals.
Why does mentoring take more time than another kind of service project?
At the heart of mentoring is a relationship. Relationships are based on trust, consistency and shared experiences. To
yield the most positive experience and outcomes for young people, longevity and consistency are essential.
Can I get involved next year?
YES! The Grizzlies Foundation expects to expand the initial pilot sites and add additional school and community sites
later in 2011. Stay tuned by visiting TeamUpMemphis.org, subscribing to the Grizzlies TEAM UP newsletter and
following us on Facebook/ Twitter!
How can I help?
Grab two friends or co-workers and sign up to be a TEAM! Or commit your company or organization to fielding 1-2
teams. What a great team-building, morale-boosting experience! Contact the Grizzlies Foundation at mentor@grizzlies.com or calling 901.205.TEAM.
Dates to know:
Deadline to sign up: December 15, 2010
Mentor training: January 15, 2011
Weekly meetings: Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, starting the week of January 17, 2011
Mentor De-Brief: March 2011 TBD
MCS Spring Break: March 14-18, 2011
T-CAP Standardized Testing: April 11-15, 2011
Grizzlies TEAM Mentors game: April 5, 2011
Grizzlies TEAM Mentors Celebration: May 2011
2011-2012 School Year begins: August 2011
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