Mentors are a vital part of our program. The caring and attention of these adult women means a lot to the young women who participate.

Here are a few comments from girls on the importance of the mentors:

“Meeting mentors, I can talk to them about what they have already been through.”

“Mentors could help with problems that my parent couldn’t.”

“Meeting strong women from the community made me want to be a leader like them.”

The Role of Mentors

Adult Mentors play an important role facilitating the ECHO Leadership program in partnership with Youth Leaders.  They provide the opportunity for girls to have supportive relationships with adult women outside their family. Mentors play a vital role by inspiring the teens to maintain interest in school and see the link between their studies and their futures.

Being a mentor brings rich rewards.  You are there to observe the growth of confidence and maturity in young women.  You will be inspired by them, moved by them, taught and and looked to by them.

It requires about 8-10 hours each month for the entire school year (August through May) and consistent role modeling for the ECHO participants and Youth Leaders.

The Process is Simple 

Fill out an application.
Attend an orientation/interview.
Attend training.

The Commitment is Clear

• Be a good role model for the ECHO participants and youth partners.

• Participate for 1 academic school year.

• Meet with ECHO participants twice a month (2 1/2 hours), co-facilitating with youth partners.
 
• Meet once a month with your youth and adult partners to plan activities and duties.

• Attend all ECHO meetings, including 3 special events: Leadership Retreat, College retreat and the visit to the State Capital).

Characteristics of an ECHO Mentor

• Female.

• Desire to be a mentor.

• Team player.

• Life-long learner.

• Open-minded and culturally sensitive.

• Desire and ability to work in partnership with young women

• Able to speak in public.

• Willing to adhere to the guiding principles.

• Have a flexible work schedule. 
Meet the school requirements to work with youth.