Great Futures Mentoring Program

About Great Futures

The Great Futures Mentoring Program at the Club matches adult mentors with youth in 5^th through 8^th grade at the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh.

The program focuses on helping youth grow academically and develop decision-making and life skills. Youth will meet mentors at the Club, where they will get homework help, read together, learn to cook together and get access to all Club spaces and programs such as basic needs, mental health support, art room, and active time in the gym.

The program focuses on:

• Academic support
• Leadership and social skill development
• Building on current career interests/career development
  • 5-6th graders focus on career interests (learning more about types of careers and industries)
  • 7-8th graders focus on career development (hands-on experiences, applying what they learned in a real-world setting, field trips to businesses, etc.)
• Fun activities, plus much more!

Youth will meet with their mentors on average 2-3 hours/ month and can meet at the Club or at school. They will also get access to all Club spaces and programs such as basic needs, mental health support, art room, active time in the gym, and so much more.

What Mentors & Mentees are saying about the Great Futures Mentoring Program

“I very much enjoy being a mentor. I really enjoy when he is excited to show me occasions where he improved his grades in certain classes”.  – Aaron (Mentor)

 

“My mentor encourages me to be confident and helps me do my homework” – Jazlynn (Mentee)

 

“Jazlynn has built an irreplaceable bond with her mentor Ms. Rosa through this program. Thank you!” – Mentee’s aunt

 

“My favorite moment so far was when my mentee opened up to me about some personal things in her life. It showed me that she trusted me and it made me feel like we were growing in our relationship.” – Kendra (Mentor)

 

“I hope my mentee learns from me that nothing is impossible. His future is in his hands and is absolutely limitless.” – John (Mentor)

 

Sign up your child for our Great Futures Mentoring Program

Parents of Club members in 5th – 8th grade, who could benefit from having a mentor, can sign up a child to be part of our program by contacting our Director of Middle School & Mentoring, Alyssa Martinez, at (920) 233-1414, ext. 134 or alyssam@bgcosh.org.

Prospective Mentors

Program FAQs for Prospective Mentors

More Information

If you have additional questions about becoming a volunteer mentor for the Great Futures Mentoring Program at the Club, please contact Alyssa Martinez, Director of Quest & Mentoring, at (920) 233-1414, ext. 134 or alyssam@bgcosh.org. 

How do I become a mentor?

The Club is always looking for new mentors, especially male mentors! Mentors are caring individuals who provide emotional support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement, and a constructive example in a structured and trusting relationship. This is a great opportunity for volunteers who would like to work with youth one on one. Potential mentors start by filling out the above form. Once the form is submitted, our Great Futures Mentoring Coordinator will be in touch. Prospective mentors will need to complete a volunteer application and background check followed by an interview, orientation and training. These can be done in person or virtually to suit your schedule.

What is the commitment?

Our program is flexible to suit your schedule and what works best for you and your mentee. Mentors are encouraged to meet with their mentee for one hour at least every other week.

How will I be matched with a youth?

The detailed applications completed by mentors and mentees help the Mentoring Coordinator get to know each individual and match mentors and mentees who have common interests and hobbies. The Mentoring Coordinator also introduces matches and stays actively involved in the relationship to ensure it is developing well.

What types of things will we do together?

Matches meet at the Club and have the opportunity to do a number of different activities, including playing games or sports, completing art and craft projects, cooking/baking, exercising, reading, working on homework, exploring careers, and more. What activities you choose to do will be dependent on the interests of you and your mentee.

Other Mentoring Options

Our core Great Futures mentoring program is centered on one to one mentoring.

However, we do offer other valuable mentoring options.

Friend mentoring

• 2 mentors, mentoring 2 kids
  • Apply with a friend, mentor with a friend
  • Focus on building self-confidence/self-esteem, academics, fun activities and more
  • You both would meet with your mentees together, every other week M, T W, Th or F, here at the club with a goal of 2 hours or more/month.

Workforce readiness mentoring

• Mentor with co-workers right at your place of work
• Group of 5-10 co-workers mentoring 5-10 kids
• Focus on activities that help build career interests and the path to get there
  • Meet once every 3-4 weeks
    • Times/days are flexible, but generally workplace matches meet M, T, W or Th from 5p-6
  • All activities are planned with the Mentoring Coordinator
  • Match meetings supervised by Mentoring Coordinator

Club/Organization mentoring

• Your club or organization mentor as a group
  • Match meetings would include the same 4-6 kids each time
  • Focus on building partnerships, academics, community involvement
  • Meet once every 3-4 weeks
    • Times/days are flexible, but generally club matches meet M, T, W or Th from 4p-5
  • All activities are planned with the Mentoring Coordinator
  • Match meetings supervised by Mentoring Coordinator