Across New York City, tens of thousands of students need caring adult mentors to help them make the most of their potential – in school, in the world of work, and in life.  Mentors share more than their expertise and guidance, they share their lives – and the rewards can be tremendous.

Since 1983, the New York City Mentoring Program (NYCMP) has helped many businesses, organizations, and government agencies partner with public high schools throughout New York City to establish mentoring programs. A structured school-initiated approach to the traditional mentoring relationship between adults and young people, NYCMP is designed to broaden the horizons of high school students and help them to navigate a variety of educational, social, and professional or work-related situations.  By sharing information and life experiences, a mentor can help a young person understand the value of education, achieve familiarity with the world of work, resolve problems, and strive to accomplish mutually agreed-upon goals.

The NYCMP, which began as a small project in the 1983-1984 school year, now serves over 1,000 students each year in over 40 high school programs. Across the five boroughs, each high school student who participates in the program is matched with an adult volunteer mentor from his/her school’s partnering company or organization.  The mentors are caring and concerned adults from a variety of backgrounds and professions who meet the Department of Education’s application, training, and screening requirements.  They commit to mentor high school students on a one-to-one basis for at least one school year, meeting for at least four hours per month. 

Typically, a mentee travels to the mentor’s workplace after school, gaining exposure to the work environment through office observations, organizational tours, conversations with the mentor, and other work-related activities.  Mentees are given the opportunity to explore potential careers and gain a clearer understanding of the kinds of skills and education necessary to pursue different career paths.  In addition to career exploration, mentors facilitate conversations about goal-setting, provide advice on schoolwork and the college admissions process, and broaden students’ horizons by taking advantage of the city’s vast cultural resources.  Mentors serve as role models and adult friends to whom students can look for guidance.

The NYCMP is coordinated by the Department of Education’s Office of Strategic Partnerships, located at 52 Chambers Street, Room 305, New York, NY  10007.  For more information, please contact 212-374-2876 or send an e-mail to Mentor@schools.nyc.gov. 

Take a look at our current partnerships!  NYC Mentoring Program Partnerships 07-08.