Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I become a Mentor?

• Diversification of personal and professional network          
• Experience the personal rewards of "giving back"
• Build skill sets outside of your work capacity
• Helps my own resume or education track

 Who will I be mentoring?

Mentors will work with motivated low-income individuals who are unemployed or underemployed, and are looking to gain skills in computers (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), resume and cover letter writing, elevator pitch, interviewing, career planning and appropriate office etiquette.  

What is my Time Commitment?

The Adult program runs for 15 weeks every Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. while the Young Adult program operates for 12 weeks every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

What ages are the mentees?

In the Saturday program SWP work with adults between the ages of 26 – 55 years old.

The young adult program works with youth between the ages of 18 – 25 years. 

Where are the sessions held?

Saturday Adult Program:

PricewaterhouseCoopers

300 Madison Avenue, 22^nd floor

On the corner of East 42^nd Street 

Wednesday Young Adult Program:

Credit Suisse

11 Madison Avenue

At 24^th Street, Level 2B. 

Will I be working by myself with my mentee?

StreetWise Partners provides mentors with a co-mentor who has similar interests yet can provide a different background and perspective to the mentee.  

How do you match me with my mentee?

Based on the mentees needs we are able to match individuals who are either working in a specific field or have strength in a particular area that a mentee aims to develop. 

Will I need to make my own teaching guide for each session?

SWP already has a very structured curriculum that has specific exercises and activities for you to run through with your mentee. The curriculum is divided into two parts: the job readiness skills and the computer skills. 

 What are the Mentees requirements for joining the program?

·         GED or high school diploma (or proof that you are enrolled in a GED program)

·         Strong desire to pursue a professional career track

·         Basic computer literacy and typing skills

·         Legal eligibility to work in the US

·         Ability to read and write proficiently in English

·         Commitment to attend ALL trainings

·         Low Income earner (which is classed as earning below 200% of the poverty line.) 

How much does it cost for a person to partake as a mentee in the program?

StreetWise Partners offers completely free job readiness training to dedicated and motivated low income earners.  

What is the Application Process to become a mentor?

To become a mentor with StreetWise Partners several steps must be achieved:

• Fill in the mentor application
• Attend an informational orientation
• Attend mentor training prior to starting the program

 To find out more please feel free to contact our office on 212 971 0078.

What responsibililites would I have?

• Work in partnership with another mentor to provide workforce skills to your mentee
• Attend and participate in the curriculum for every Wednesday workshop
• Communicate with your mentee and co-mentor during the week
• Review and comment on your mentees’ resumes and cover letters
• Communicate with volunteer officers and StreetWise Partners staff regarding progress or troubleshooting
• Act as a support network to your mentee through encouragement, tutorials and assistance with job searches
• Make sure that mentees are completing assigned work and meeting deadlines
• Establish clear expectations and guidelines early on and update as needed
• Establish the best time and method of communication

• Proficient knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet
• Experience in resume building, writing cover letters and interviewing
• Experience with job searches
• Experience in an office environment
• Patience
• Understanding
• Excellent people skills
• Flexibility
• Dedication
• Ability to provide constructive criticism
• Team player
• Comfortable with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences