UNCF Seek Mentors for The Portfolio Project 2009!
Must Respond by Friday, September 4th 2009
UNCF, YMCA Black Achievers and
The Thurston Group of Washington State
Program support provided by:
Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA)
Education Access Network
Garfield High School
Fred Meyer
Microsoft Zune
Starbucks
Portfolio Project Overview & Mentor Responsibilities
The Portfolio Project was developed to assist 11th and 12th grade students through the college and scholarship application process. During the course of the program students learn the college entrance requirements of various educational institutions, and compile the necessary data to complete college applications and the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). Volunteer mentors help review student work, assist students with research requirements, help students stay on task to meet deadlines and provide encouragement to complete and present their portfolio. In addition mentors offer guidance on writing college essays and help students identify and categorize their service and leadership activities for application inclusion. By the end of the program, each student will be well-versed in portfolio presentation, personal presentation and deadline management. The program sessions consist of presenters in the education field, resource providers, current students and alumni. The sessions will include hands on work towards completion of the portfolio.
During the course of the program students:
Research college entrance requirements of various educational institutions
Complete college applications and the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA)
Receive guidance on writing essays for college application
Identify and categorize their own service and leadership activities for application inclusion
Are provided access to a FREE SAT prep course for Portfolio Project participants
Get coaching in portfolio presentation, personal presentation and deadline management.
Upon successful completion of the project, participants will have:
A deeper understanding of their skills and talents, and clearer career goals
Familiarity with the schools best suited for their educational needs
Relationships with adult mentors and contacts in the community which can assist them with their future goals
A complete portfolio of information and completed applications to present to college recruiters and scholarship providers
Opportunities to present themselves and their materials to recruiters and scholarship providers
A list of potential scholarships for which they may qualify
Letters of recommendation from UNCF Pacific NW Director and YMCA Senior Program Director
Application fee waivers for UNCF schools excluding; Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta and Tuskegee
ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD EVERY SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 12th – OCTOBER 31st
12:30PM-3:00PM at Garfield High School
Celebration Outing – November 7th
MENTOR MEETING – Saturday, September 12th 11:30am-12:30pm @ Garfield High School
Mentor Requirements
- Internet access
- General knowledge of college application processes.
- Must attend mentor meeting
- Dedicate a minimum of four hours weekly from September 2009 through November 2009 to work with assigned students. Participation during Saturday sessions varies depending on topic and will be discussed at the mentor meeting.
- Excellent verbal, written and reasoning skills.
- Commitment to minority education.
- College experience highly desirable.
- Patience and creativity a plus.
Interested Volunteers: Please e-mail your contact information and resume with any relevant background information to lwest@uncf.org or fax to UNCF at 206-233-0605.
For more information on mentoring or presentations contact UNCF at 206-292-8859
For more information on student enrollment contact YMCA Black Achievers Program at 206-322-6969