Become a Mentor

Help make a difference in the lives of thousands of Hartford’s children.

Interested in becoming a Mentor?

Register today!

Who is a Mentor?

With the help and commitment of caring individuals we have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children of Hartford and surrounding towns. We continue to rely on the energy, compassion and dedication of volunteers both new and experienced. All it takes is 75 minutes of your time each week, a positive attitude, good energy and a willingness to share your life with a child. By becoming a mentor, you can provide the momentum that leads a new generation of students towards empowerment for the future.

Why is Mentoring Important?

Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset. (mentoring.org)

Making an Impact

Mentor Moment

This is Tyiera and her mentor Hayley. Tyiera is a soft-spoken student who usually keeps to herself, but when she is with Hayley she is bubbly and talkative. We see Tyiera being more involved in group activities and even leading the group at times! Her time with Hayley has made her come out of her shell and find her own voice.

“Even the slightest positive influence has the potential to change a child’s life.”

Mentoring Locations

ConnectiKids offers 11 mentoring locations close to Hartford. Pick a location to learn more about what grades they service and to obtain the address.

Aetna CVS

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Asylum Hill Congregational Church

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Avon High School

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The Hartford

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Northwest Catholic High School

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Trinity College

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University of St. Joseph

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Travelers

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University of Hartford

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Important Policies to Remember

Gift Policy

ConnectiKids has a stringent policy against gift giving to students. Each year there are two events in which host sites can collaborate with ConnectiKids in order to ensure consistent and equitable gift giving. These events are the Holiday Party and the Year-end Celebration. At these time sites can select an appropriate gift(s) to purchase for all of the children. Giving of additional gifts is not allowed. We realize that birthdays and other significant events may occur during the year. At these times we ask that you please reiterate ConnectiKids’ belief that your time to your child is the greatest gift they can receive. This policy has been established to ensure that all children in the program are treated equitably and receive consistent messages about the purpose of their participation in the program.

Contacting Students Outside of Programming

Volunteers are not permitted to contact students outside of the program. The one-on-one relationship should be limited to the time and locations of the program. If you happen to bump into your student, it is absolutely appropriate for you to stop and say hello, but we ask that planned outings, meetings, and connections over social networks do not occur at all. Failure to comply with this policy will result in dismissal from the program. This policy is enforced to protect both the student and the volunteer. Any questions about this policy should be directed to the Program or Executive Director.

Leaving the Program Area

If students need to leave the program area to go to the restroom, please be sure to inform the On-Site Coordinator. Please accompany students to the restroom and wait near the door for them to exit. Students are not permitted to accompany tutors to their offices. ConnectiKids staff is responsible for students at all times while they are participating in the program. Thus, for liability reasons, we cannot allow students out of the supervised program area.

Use of Electronics

Although we understand that technology has become a major part of our daily lives we are requesting that you refrain from the use of your cell phone during tutoring sessions. Use of ConnectiKids’ technology (including tablets, iPads, and laptops) is permitted at the tutors’ discretion. The allowance of technology should not hinder the connection between you and your student but enhance the educational experience. Keep in mind that the time you have with your student is limited to only an hour and fifteen minutes one day a week and should be used efficiently.

Use of Mentoring Time

Mentorship is not merely advice. It is a two-sided commitment between two people, based upon mutual trust and a commitment. The commitment of the mentor is to provide advice, career help, and personal guidance to the mentee. The commitment of the mentee is to be ready to listen to the advice, receive the help, and act upon it. The exchange of the mentor/mentee relationship is personal satisfaction and shared accomplishment. Please use each 75 minutes to ensure the best possible session – dedicating a portion of time to this skill area. Some days may focus on academics while others may focus on mentoring conversations. Either way, please make it an empowering experience for both of you, and most importantly, have fun!

For more information and resources on mentoring, please visit Mentoring.org and Governor’s Prevention Partnership.

Become a Mentor!

Be the difference in a child’s life by signing up to become a volunteer with ConnectiKids today. Help provide the momentum that leads a new generations of students towards empowerment for the future.