Senior Project Mentors needed

Posted by on August 11, 2008

[note: PHENND has already engaged 7 local colleges to work with Senior Project high schools for the 2008-2009 school year.  The School District is looking for additional adult mentors for students.]

The School District of Philadelphia is looking for people to serve as mentors to high school seniors as they complete an academically rigorous Senior Project.

The senior project mentor helps the student to think through problems, overcome challenges, discover hidden talents, develop confidence to become self – reliant and secure, connect with the real world, and find community leaders in the area of interest,

The student is responsible for four parts of the Senior Project throughout their senior year (October-May), including producing an 8 page research paper, 15 hours of fieldwork, creation of a portfolio documenting the project, and making an oral presentation.

The mentor will help the student with each step of the process.  It is expected that the mentor and student may meet or talk on the phone about once a month through the project period.  The mentor is also expected to act as primary resource during paper phase, help the student establish objectives, coordinate with a community mentor, and provide feedback to the student’s teacher.

Mentors do not need to be an expert in the student’s chosen topic.  They simply guide them in their exploration of the topic and help them stay focused on accomplishing tasks.

To sign up to be a Senior Project mentor, email Robyn Baylor at robyn@phennd.org.  All mentors will need to have obtained an FBI Clearance before interacting with students.