Watershed Mentoring

We're an adult-youth mentoring program serving our county's school-age children.
Mentoring helps kids feel more confident academically and socially. It’s our goal that every child who needs a mentor will find a match and have the opportunity to make a friend for life.

Become a Mentor

Our mission is to enrich the lives of youth and adults by providing the opportunity to develop positive and caring relationships with fellow community members.

Apply to become a mentor

Refer a Child

“Children of promise” may need a little bit of a boost to succeed in school, develop positive friendships, try new sports, games, or creative activities.

Mentee Applicaion (On-Line)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment?

Community-based mentors share about two hours per week with their mentees. Our school-based program requires a commitment of one hour per week. Research shows that mentoring is most effective when it continues for at least one year, so we ask mentors to make a one-year commitment. Matches that are going well at the end of one year are supported to continue for as long as the match is beneficial and meets minimum requirements.

How are the mentor and mentee paired up?

Mentors and mentees are matched by gender, interest, and location. All mentors and mentees complete an “interest survey” to help guide the match process. Boys are matched with men and girls are matched with women. We try to match mentors with children in or near the town where they live or work so that it is convenient for them to meet with the child and find activities and places to meet.

What other requirements do I need to know about?

All our mentors go through a screening process, orientation, and thorough training prior to placement. Mentors should be at least 18, have earned a high-school diploma or GED, be able to provide personal and work references, and pass an FBI background check and Vermont Child Abuse Screening.

What activities can mentors and mentees do together?

Mentors and mentees are all about building healthy, rewarding friendships, and do all kinds of age-appropriate activities that friends might do, including playing board games, sports, go biking or hiking, try out a new art or craft, learn a new skill together, bake, cook a meal, fly a kite, go shopping (in moderation!), watch a movie, share their hopes and dreams, or just sit and gab. In the process, a mentor is helping a child learn to plan, set and achieve goals, interact socially, get enjoyment from healthy activity, and feel more self-confident.