Mentorship
Be the steady presence someone remembers.
Mentors do not need all the answers. They need to show up, share the meal, and walk the walk. A few hours a week can change a decade.
“I didn't change her life in one breakfast. But I showed up for 52 of them, and that did.”
Commit as little as
2 hours / week
Monthly & workshop roles also available.
Safety first, always — interview + background check required before placement.
Boundaries & expectations
Clear roles make room for real impact
Mentors are not therapists or ATMs. We protect the relationship so you can focus on what matters — presence, structure, and showing up.
Mentors do
- Provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability
- Attend weekly sessions and monthly check-ins
- Model discipline, respect, and leadership
- Communicate progress with staff and guardians
- Follow all safety protocols and boundaries
Mentors do not
- Act as a therapist or counselor
- Exchange personal contact info outside the program
- Meet with mentees outside of scheduled sessions unsupervised
- Provide financial support directly to mentees
- Share confidential information about mentees
The screening path
Five checkpoints before your first Saturday
- 1
Verify Code
Confirm your USI Access Code.
- 2
Application
Tell us about your skills & availability.
- 3
Interview
Phone or in-person with our team.
- 4
Background Check
Standard screening for safety.
- 5
Training + Match
Orientation, then meet your mentee.
Three Ways to Serve
Weekly Mentor
Attend in-person mentorship sessions (Meal + Journaling + Discussion), build a consistent relationship with your mentee, and provide ongoing guidance.
Monthly Evaluator
Conduct monthly 1:1 evaluations, review progress with staff, and help set new goals.
Workshop Leader
Lead workshops on your expertise — career skills, financial literacy, leadership, and more.
Access Code Required
Start with your USI Access Code
Every mentor is rooted in The Unique Scholars Institute. Your Personal Access Code confirms your standing in the USI community and streamlines onboarding.
- Your code proves you're part of USI's verified community.
- It pre-fills your profile so you never re-enter the same info.
- Mentor applications without a code are not accepted at this time.
Personal Access Codes are issued through your USI account. Sign in to find yours in the Access Center, or create a USI account to get started.