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Student Mentoring in Schools: Recruiting now for all first-year students!

   What is the Aimhigher Student Mentoring Scheme?

    Who can become a Mentor and what are the benefits?

  How do I become a  Student Mentor?

 

What is the Aimhigher Student Mentoring Scheme?

 
The Aimhigher Student Mentoring Scheme is a collaborative initiative for universities in Birmingham to raise pupils’ attainment and awareness towards further and higher education.  The mentoring programme is aimed at providing practical help and encouragement to pupils aged 14-18 who have the potential to do well at school but who, for a variety of reasons, may not be fulfilling that potential. 

The scheme involves undergraduate students mentoring pupils in secondary schools on a one-to-one or group basis. Student Mentors will provide (mentoring) support and encouragement to learners as they encounter the various transition milestones between year 9 and year 13.

Student Mentors act as being positive role models who work with pupils to:

  • Increase confidence, motivation, persistence and self-esteem

  • Raise aspirations

  • Improve organisation and study skills

  • Outline and implement learning action plans

  • Raise awareness of higher education opportunities

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As Student Mentors have recent experience of the education system themselves, they can relate to the problems and barriers pupils may face when considering Higher Education as an option. They can offer advice and support and provide pupils with a real insight into university life.

With the introduction of increased national tuition fees for the academic year 2012/2013 Student Mentors can help alleviate fears school pupils may have specifically about student finance by advising them on the variety of financial support schemes available.

  

 

Who can become a Mentor and what are the benefits?

 

If you are a current first-year student and you are:

  • self-confident

  • resourceful

  • highly motivated

  • interested in helping young people who may be disadvantaged in some way 

  • reliable

  • positive about Higher Education and keen to promote the benefits of it

  • interested in making a difference in the community

  • good at managing your time

 

Then the Aimhigher Mentor Scheme may be for you!

We recruit around 30 Mentors per academic year. As this is a competitive and paid role, the application process does involve an application form, an interview, completing a CRB check and two days of training. 

We are now holding formation sessions (please see below). Attendance at an information session is compulsory if you wish to apply for the Aimhigher Mentor Scheme.

 

Participation in the project will provide Student Mentors with opportunities to:

  • Experience the satisfaction of helping young people to develop and achieve their goals

  • Participate in valuable training and development activities

  • Gain skills and experience which will contribute to their personal development

  • Use the experience on their CVs to enhance their career prospects 

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In addition to these great opportunities, you will also be paid for you time as a Mentor! Mentors will receive a payment for each mentoring session and can earn up to £40 per week.

 

 

How do I become a Student Mentor?

 

Recruitment for the academic year 2012/2013 is now open to all FIRST-YEAR students. To apply to become a Student Mentor, you will be required to attend one of the upcoming COMPULSORY information sessions:

Wednesday 25th April, 1pm-2pm, Room G11

Thursday 26th April, 1pm-2pm, Room G11

Tuesday 1st May, 1pm-2pm, Room G11

or

Wednesday 2nd May 1pm-2pm, Room G11

There will be opportunities to ask any questions you may have at these information sessions. There will also be opportunities to hear from this year's cohort of Student Mentors directly.

Please note that applications to become a Student Mentor will NOT be accepted from students who have not attended one of the above information sessions.