"The most rewarding aspect of mentoring is the opportunity to show a student her potential for greatness. In today's society, pressure to conform is astounding, influencing self-esteem, self-respect and social interactions. The ability to offer an adult sounding board to a student in need of a more mature perspective is a gift that should continue to be passed through generations. My mentee is a delight—she gives as much if not more than she gets in return."
—UA Mentor


Mentoring is essential to the development of students at all our schools. The Urban Assembly Mentoring Program offers students the opportunity to develop relationships with successful adults who can inspire and lead them in the right direction.

We invite you and your colleagues to become mentors, developing a one-to-one bond with a student and making a critical contribution to his or her intellectual, emotional and social progress. As a mentor, you will form a strong friendship, discuss college preparation and explore career options.

Though at first you might doubt you have the skills or resources to be a successful mentor, the Urban Assembly gives each mentor individualized training, suggested activities and ongoing expert support from a mentor coordinator. We are committed to nurturing rewarding relationships that will make a difference not only in a student’s life but in a mentor’s.

"I've learned that a little attention goes a long way when you're talking about positively influencing a young person's life. The Urban Assembly offers a mentor access to the next generation, the generation that will be responsible for our grandchildren, government and environment. On the other hand, the Urban Assembly offers mentees access and insight into lifestyles where success is measured by character and determination. I can't think of a more fulfilling program than one that gives back to the community by helping to positively influence its young people."
—UA Mentor



Encouraging your colleagues to become mentors is a great way to demonstrate your organization's commitment to the community and to the education of the next generation of New Yorkers.

If you want to explore the possibility of supporting students through a mentoring program partnership with the Urban Assembly, you can start by inviting a representative to make a brief presentation to interested staff at your organization.

  • Fill out an application and undergo the Urban Assembly’s thorough yet convenient screening process.
  • Participate with other employees in a training session at your workplace during lunch hour or in the evening.
  • Meet with your mentee for a minimum of four hours a month.
  • Commit to the program for one school year (October through June).

"In my initial meeting with my mentee, I was shocked at the social pressures she faced at age 15. I was unsure how to respond to issues she was confronting, because these same issues did not surface for me until my early twenties. During our second or third meeting, I decided to be completely honest. I spoke to her as I would to a young adult and listened to her as much as possible. I told her that she was an intelligent woman who knew right from wrong--the tough part was choosing to do what was right.
I think at that moment she began to trust me and listen to her own inner dialogue. Helping to teach her the skills necessary to deal with a difficult situation is a very rewarding aspect of mentoring. The most rewarding aspect is the smile that comes on her face when she tells me about a tough choice she has made or an A she received in a class."
—UA Mentor

 

For more information about mentoring, please contact:
Laura Gagne, Director of Programs
(212) 867 3060  x387
lgagne@urbanassembly.org