Contributing Sponsors
Mentor with MIKE Program
You Can Impact the Lives of Youth
Help local youth succeed by mentoring with MIKE Program! MIKE Program (Multicultural Integrated Kidney Education Program) is accepting health mentors now for the 2013-2014 academic year. Mentoring takes place one day per week in both in-school and afterschool settings. Current mentoring opportunities include:
• North Portland: De La Salle North Catholic High School
• North Portland: Rosemary Anderson High School/POIC
• Hillsboro: Miller Education Center-West
All mentoring sites are in close proximity to public transportation. Mentors typically serve a small group of 3-5 youth teamed with other mentors in a health or core life-skills class. The classroom dynamic is guided by skilled educators.
MIKE Program empowers youth to be health leaders—ambassadors for healthy kidneys—through education, mentorship and community outreach. Since 2002, MIKE Program has served over 500 youth in Portland area high schools, alternative learning environments and community programs. We exist to break the growing frequency of preventable chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure leading to chronic kidney failure and which disproportionately affect minority populations in the United States.
Benefits of Mentoring
• Gain valuable in-class teaching, public health, and adolescent mentoring experience
• Work with an experienced teacher to implement a curriculum that meets national and state standards for comprehensive adolescent health education
• Increase cultural sensitivity and social/emotional service skills
• Receive free training and support by MIKE Program in arenas of adolescent health, development and education
• Guide youth to academic and career success
• Work in a team environment with other mentors
• May be eligible for academic credits, internship credit or volunteer hour completion credits
Requirements for Mentors
• Be at least 20 years old
• Attend the free MIKE Program Mentorship Training (2 full days of classes packed with information & hands-on activities)
• Attend the free “Called to Protect” Training if assigned to one of our school sites (2 hours, offered all year at convenient times and locations by the Portland Archdioceses)
• Commit to a full semester or year of mentoring every week. It is IMPERATIVE that once placed as a MIKE Program mentor you COMPLETE your term of service. MIKE Program intends not to be one more “disappointing” adult relationship in the life of a vulnerable youth.
• Pass the MIKE Program fingerprint background checks undertaken at no cost to the mentor and undergo an interview with MIKE Program personnel
• Be interested in education, youth/child development, health, social services, and/or other cultures. No medical background required.
Time Commitment for Mentors
Mentoring with MIKE Program is an intensive, rewarding, and comprehensive volunteering commitment. As a mentor, you not only are a stable part of a youth’s academic environment, but also a friend, advisor and positive role model.
Mentors with MIKE Program traditionally meet with small groups of youth in school settings serving diverse youth in low resource neighborhoods, Mentors meet once a week (1-hour) for a semester or for the entire school year. Both the youth and mentor create a social and emotional bond that propels the youth towards academic and life success. Activities covered in MIKE Program include didactic and hands-on approaches to chronic disease prevention, healthy habits, exercise, healthy snacks and eating, and a final health leadership project the youths take to their communities—-all catalyzed by the context of promoting healthy kidneys.
How do I become a Mentor?
Complete the MIKE Program Mentor Application Package and return it via email or mail to begin the process.
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