Interactive Career Center

A BRIGHTER FUTURE E-MENTORING PROGRAM FACT SHEET

Background

The Dukes Foundation Corporation is working to unlock the power of the Internet to broaden and deepen the reach of traditional mentoring. Through A BRIGHTER FUTURE Program, thoroughly screened and trained youth and adults will support Youth in several States and communicate weekly through a secure website. As in all quality mentoring relationships, the needs and interests of the young people drive the exchanges between the youth and adults.

 

DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION has been engaged in Youth Mentoring for 10 years. Approximately 15 groups will be invited to participate in the pilot program

ParticipantsMentees are between the ages of 13 and 17 who regularly participate in community-based programs (at least once a week.)

Mentors will be thoroughly trained and screened adults by our Officers and our Technology Partners.How It WorksDUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION’s Mentoring Officer and Saturday Academy Facilitators at Morehouse College will conduct Tutoring Sessions from that location with Cyber connection to facilitate onsite and offsite viewing and participation.

The curriculum will have meaningful delivery that will improve learning based on the exchanges of youth in different environment through the sharing information about school and career goals. Safety, SecurityDUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION and our technology partner organizations recognize the importance of safety and security in cyberspace. To that end, we employ state-of-the-art technology and safeguards to meet the unique privacy and security needs of both mentors and the youth involved. The technology ensures that only participating youth and mentors can communicate with each other. It also provides mentoring support to all participants at the click of a mouse.

Role of DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION Sites

DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION sites are the heart and soul of the DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION program. If selected, your site will be responsible for recruiting, training, and supporting up to 15 DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION youth participants. Given this important responsibility, DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION partner organizations work to ensure that your site has everything you need to support successful mentoring relationships. (See below for more details.)What DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION Provides to SitesOrientation and training. Designated DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION site coordinators will receive orientation and training that includes:

§  Group training on how to run a successful A BRIGHTER FUTURE E – MENTORING program. Participants will receive instructions with DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION policies and procedures, timeline for completing key tasks and standardized forms.

§  At least one onsite visit with a DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION Team Member.

§  Midpoint check-in to assess progress and fine-tune operations, if needed. This can take place by phone or online conferencing.

§  Periodic conference calls and/or online chats with DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION coordinators from other sites to cover DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION topics of most interest to them (e.g., something they want to share with others or something that requires input from others).

Secure Website. DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION sites will be connected to a secure server for safe and reliable correspondence between youth and mentors and a website that provides ongoing support to DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION mentees and mentors throughout their relationships.

Mentoring Expertise. Participating youth-serving sites will receive consultation and support from technology experts representing The DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION.

Impact Assessment. DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION will conduct an evaluation of A BRIGHTER FUTURE program that provides insights into the impact and effectiveness of the E-mentoring relationship on youth.What Is Expected of  SitesStaffing. Participating School sites must designate one staff person to recruit, train and support youth in each cluster. This person must be knowledgeable about the students and skilled in using the Internet and      e-mail.

The School site coordinator must communicate weekly with DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION Team about youth participation in the program and any issues or challenges affecting the program.

Site coordinators must complete all DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION tasks on schedule.

Youth Participants. DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION sites must recruit 15 young people between the ages of 13 and 17 participating in the site’s programs at least once a week.

Operations. The School Site must mentees to receive orientation and training, communicate at least once a week and participate in the evaluation process.

Technology. The sites must have computer equipment, wiring, and access to technical support to allow youth to successfully participate in the program.

Contingency Plans. If the designated Site Coordinator or a youth participant leaves the site the School must ensure a smooth transition.

If a youth leaves the program, the site Coordinator must immediately inform DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION Questions?Please contact dukesfoundation@dukesfoundation.org Check It OutFor additional information about A BRIGHTER FUTURE E-MENTORING PROGRAM visit the DUKES FOUNDATION CORPORATION website, www.dukesfoundation.org .