Mentoring

East West Bank in Century City hosted a Financial Literacy Field Trip for students from both Venice and Hamilton High schools.

Communities In Schools of Los Angeles West (CISLAW)
Mentoring Services at Venice and Hamilton High Schools

Why mentor with Communities In Schools?

Supportive and consistent mentoring helps motivate students and inspires them to achieve their true potential in life. Simply by spending time together, mentors teach students to believe they are capable of achieving their goals by:

• Broadening their horizons;
• Realizing their strengths and abilities;
• Improving their communication and self-advocacy skills.

Who are our mentees?

Many of our students come from low socio-economic communities and many will be the first in their families to attend college or university. They posses the desire and potential to further their education beyond high school but face personal and educational obstacles prohibiting them from achieving their goals. They want a mentor to help guide them on their path to a higher education, a rewarding career, and a fulfilling future.

What is the mentor’s commitment to CIS and their mentee?

Socialization and friendship are a mentor’s primary objectives; spending time together, talking, and building the relationship are the keys to success. The goal is to support students so they remain in school and graduate with their class with plans on attending college or entering a career. It’s up to the mentors and mentees to decide when and where to get together, what activities to participate in, and what events to attend. CIS mentors commit to:

• Meet with their mentees for two years, ideally continuing the relationship through their student’s high school graduation;
• Meet with their mentees four hours per month, including the summer months;
• Convey from the outset how long the relationship will last so mentees can adjust their expectations accordingly;
• Befriend their mentee’s parents/legal guardians without becoming overly involved in their lives.

How can I become a CIS mentor?

Prospective mentors should submit a completed Mentor Application and Mentor Interest Survey to Communities In Schools Los Angeles West – Mentoring Program, c/o Creative Artists Agency, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067.

Interested mentors must:

• Be interested in being positive role models to a Venice or Hamilton High School student;
• Have a valid drivers license and provide proof of insurance;
• Be willing to submit to a thorough background check;
• Attend an initial training and orientation in advance of being matched with a mentee.