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.”
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.
Aetna CVS
Aetna has been a partner for over 20 years. Volunteers give up a portion of their workday to work with our students from West Middle Community School. Mentoring takes place on Tuesdays at Aetna.
Address:
151 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06156
Asylum Hill Congregational Church
The Asylum Hill Congregational Church has been a partner for 40 years. Volunteers are members of the church and the larger community. Mentors at this host site work with student from the Hartford County.
Address:
814 Asylum Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
Pratt & Whitney
Pratt & Whitney is a new partnership formed in 2025. Volunteers give up a portion of their workday to work with Naylor Elementary students.
Address:
400 Main Street
East Hartford, CT 06118
The Hartford
The Hartford Insurance company has been a partner for over 20 years. Volunteers give up a portion of their workday to work with West Middle students.
Address:
1 Hartford Plaza
Hartford, CT 06154
Northwest Catholic High School
Northwest Catholic High School has been a partner for over 15 years. High school students stay after school to work with students from West Middle Community School.
Address:
29 Wampanoag Drive
West Hartford, CT06117
Trinity College
Trinity College has been a partner for over 15 years. College students volunteer as mentors and tutors and work diligently with Naylor Elementary students. In the past, this site offered two days a week of mentoring.
Address:
300 Summit Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Connecticut State Departments
Connecticut State Departments have been partners since 1998 when ConnectiKids became the beneficiary of a formal agreement between the State of Connecticut and the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC). In this unique Memorandum of Agreement, state employees were granted the right to volunteer as tutors during normal working hours. This site now includes four state departments: Developmental Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Public Health and Office of Policy and Management at 470 Capitol Avenue where they mentor Michael D. Fox third graders.
Address:
470 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
University of St. Joseph
The University of St. Joseph has been a partner site for over 10 years. College students’ mentor and tutor West Middle students. Students get to tour the college at the end of the spring semester!
Address:
1678 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
UConn Greater Hartford
University of Connecticut (Greater Hartford Campus) has been a partner for over 5 years. College students volunteer their time with students and work with Michael D. Fox fifth through eighth grade students.
Address:
10 S Prospect St
Hartford, CT 06106
Travelers
Travelers partnership was established during the 2018-2019 school year. Employees volunteer as mentors and tutors to work with Hartford middle school youth.
Address:
1 Tower Square
Hartford, CT 06183
University of Hartford
The University of Hartford partnership in 2020. College students have volunteered their time with students and work with West Middle school students. This partnership has now evolved where ConnectiKids provides work study students and interns with job opportunities.
Address:
200 Bloomfield Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06117