Become a mentor for Arizona Quest for Kids

Arizona Quest for Kids students begin this comprehensive program in the fifth grade, and continue through twelfth grade. Your commitment of one school year can help a student make positive choices about their education, personal relationships, and their role in the community.  This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference, and positively influence the life of a child!

Who can be a mentor?

A caring adult, over the age of 18, interested in making a difference in the life of a child.

What does a mentor do?

• Listens to their mentee

• Supports the dreams of their mentee

• Encourages their mentee toward higher education

• Shares their life experiences with their mentees

While it is not a requirement, many mentors help their mentees set and achieve short and long term goals, and participate with their mentees in enrichment activities, community service projects, and program events.

What are common misconceptions about the role of a mentor?

Some common misconceptions are that mentors are tutors, parents, guidance counselors, or disciplinarians. This is not the case. Mentors support a child’s dreams and endeavors, offer encouragement, and share life experiences. Arizona Quest for Kids promotes a healthy and mutually supportive one-on-one friendship which holds immeasurable value to every aspect of a student’s life: personal, professional, and community.

What is the time commitment?

The minimum time commitment is one academic year.

For Elementary/Middle School students, the minimum time commitment is one hour a week during the academic year. Mentors meet their mentees at the school site.

High school students have a much greater demand placed on them for program and school requirements so the minimum time commitment is one hour every other week during the academic year. Mentors/mentees decide when/where they will meet.

Arizona Quest for Kids’ mentor relationships average 4.5 years!

What are the steps to becoming a mentor?

• Fill out a mentor application form including references

• Interview with a program manager

• Go through a fingerprint clearance and risk assessment check

• Participate in an orientation/training (and ongoing training opportunities)

• Become matched with a mentee

• Begin a fulfilling relationship!

I’m interested! Where do I sign up?

Wonderful! Please download and complete the mentor application below or contact Arizona Quest for Kids at 602-636-1860 or email  mentor@azquestforkids.org to have an application sent to you.