About the KABA Mentor Program

The Kenosha Area Business Alliance Mentor Program matches at-risk 3rd through 5th grade students with business mentor volunteers. The purpose of the program is to establish a caring relationship and improve motivation to learn, self-esteem, and academic performance.

What?
A mentor meets with the same student for 30-45 minutes once a week during the school year. Mentors meet at a time during the day that is convenient for the mentor and which does not pull the student out of a critical class period. Mentors typically spend part of their visit building the personal relationship and part of the time building academic skill. Mentors help students build a dream for themselves. Mentors begin by just talking with their students to build a relationship. Computer programs and games may be used to reinforce academic skills. While the primary purpose is not to tutor students, a mentor and student may often do school-related work at the direction of the teacher, especially if the student is behind in some area. The bounds of activities are defined by the depth and breadth of the relationship formed.

Where?
The mentor program is an IN-SCHOOL program only! Mentors do not meet individually with their students off school grounds, take them to the movies, go to a park, etc. Mentors can meet their students at school during open houses, participate as a chaperone on field trips and other school events in which multiple students may be participating.

If the student changes schools, the mentor typically follows the student to the new school, unless significant schedule conflicts make this impossible.

With whom?
Schools recommend students for the program. Parents/guardians give permission for the child to participate. There typically is not contact with parents or guardians.

When?
Mentors are encouraged to make a three-year commitment so they can be with a student from 3rd through 5th grade. Considering the realities of the workplace and mobility of families, a one-year commitment is considered minimal. When a mentor cannot continue, a replacement is secured because the goal is to have the student continue receiving one-on-one contact.

Continuity is most important. It is important to meet every week with the student. Mentors who miss a scheduled visit for business reasons often set up an alternate meeting time that same week.

How do I know that I’m making a difference?
Mentors talk and/or meet with teachers to evaluate progress and adjust activities.

Qualifications
All prospective mentors are screened by an outside agency, currently Big Brothers Big Sisters of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Inc. Screening includes: criminal background checks, contacting references, and a personal interview. This screening, which takes several weeks, is done to protect both the student and mentor.