Help Motivated Hartford Students Get To College!

Give back to your community!
Share your wisdom and experiences!
Help Hartford schoolchildren work toward college!

The Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation (HYSF) needs volunteers to mentor Steppingstone Scholars while they are in middle and high school. HYSF’s Steppingstone Mentors are professional adults who value their education and achievements, and wish to help urban youth excel in theirs.

Founded in 2005, the Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the city of Hartford by developing and implementing academic programs that increase college access for Hartford schoolchildren. HYSF's first initiative, The Steppingstone Academy Hartford, prepares highly motivated students for admission to and success at Connecticut's top independent high schools. By increasing educational opportunities, HYSF supports the development of a vibrant and productive community, making Hartford a better place in which to live, work, and raise a family.

General Description

1. Steppingstone Mentors are paired with an 8th grade Scholar during the Spring Session of the Steppingstone Academy Hartford.
2. Mentors meet Scholars and their families in May. 
3. Mentors meet with Scholars at least twice during the Summer Session of the Steppingstone Academy Hartford. 
4. Mentors are encouraged to maintain periodic contact with Scholars during the school year, and participate in school events in support of their Scholars (sports contests, theatrical performances, awards ceremonies, and other events).
5. Mentors continue to communicate and meet with Scholars once they enter high school in order to assist them with the transition to high school.
6. Mentors use their knowledge, experience, and love of education to encourage and motivate Scholars to achieve success throughout high school and provide support and guidance as they prepare for college.

Mentor Benefits

1. The chance to mentor some of Hartford’s hardest working and motivated students.
2. The chance to help a Steppingstone Scholar stay focused during high school and work toward college.
3. A meaningful way to volunteer and give back to your community.

Requirements & Responsibilities

1. Each potential mentor must fill out an application and submit to a background check.
2. Each mentor is required to attend an afternoon training session in late April.
3. Mentors must have on-going commitment toward supporting their Scholars’ efforts to be successful students.

For an application or more information please contact Jessica Bilbao at jbilbao@hysf.org or (860) 895-6640 x.106.