Over the years, The University of New Mexico has been a treasure trove of mentors for the organization Big Brothers Big Sisters’ (BBBS) Mentor 2.0 program. BBBS is hoping once again the university comes through as it continues its search for volunteers to mentor young adults.

The program matches high school students with college-educated mentors and provides them with the support and guidance they need to graduate high school and succeed in college and beyond. Mentor and mentee matches get to know each other through an innovative combination of weekly messages via a secure web-based platform, and monthly group events at the high school that Mentor 2.0 organizes and hosts.

The program is perfect for those who want to volunteer and have an impact on the community, but find it difficult to do so with a busy schedule. Now, volunteers can mentor from home or the office thanks to the digital twist BBBS one-on-one mentoring programs.

Mentor requirements include:

  • All mentors must be at least 21 years old and hold a college degree (2+ year college) or significant life experience.
  • A reliable internet connection.
  • Commitment to mentoring for at least one year.
  • Commitment to sending one weekly message on an interesting topic that Mentor 2.0 provides through the platform.
  • Commit to seeing mentee once every four to six weeks for two hours at a Mentor 2.0 facilitated after-school event at their school form 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Agree to only communicate and meet within the above framework, for curriculum focus and program fidelity.

Volunteer today:

  • Complete the Mentor 2.0 online application.
  • After submitting the application, a BBBS Customer Relations Specialist will reach out with more information including training dates.
  • BBBS will complete a background check and interview with each volunteer mentor.

This year, BBBS’ goal is to match nearly 260 freshmen students from South Valley Academy and Amy Biehl High School for the 2018-19 academic year. Right now, BBBS still needs 50 more mentors.

For questions, contact Sebastian Martinez, BBBS community recruitment coordinator, at Sebastian.Martinez@bbbs-cnm.org.

For additional volunteer opportunities and information, visit the Mentor 2.0 website.