MAPS Mentor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Mentor commitment to students and teachers in MAPS is the foundation of the program. The more mentors we have, the more schools and students we can serve. Together, we can support the academic success of teens in our community while helping them understand how this education can help them with their careers in the future.

1. What is the time commitment for mentors?
2. When do mentors typically meet with students?
3. What exactly do mentors do with students?
4. In what subjects are AP® mentors needed?
5. What schools can we mentor?
6. What skills and experiences do mentors need to have?
7. What are the benefits of participating in MAPS?
8. Are there other volunteer opportunities besides becoming a mentor?
9. What is the program timeline?
10. Is MAPS right for you?

What is the time commitment for mentors?

The total time commitment is approximately 40-60 hours per year. This commitment includes:

• Meeting with students 2-4 times per month on a regular, ongoing basis September-May
• Spending at least 4 hours per month with the students
• Attending MAPS program meetings and trainings two to four times per year
• Attending occasional special events

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When do mentors typically meet with MAPS students?

Each group determines what works best for them. Mentors work with teachers to schedule first meetings, then come to an agreement with MAPS students to set up a regular time that works well for everyone. Some mentors meet early in the morning before work and school, some meet in the evening. Some mentors along with MAPS teachers coordinate special Saturday study sessions, or make arrangements to meet with interested MAPS students in the evening to attend other activities related to the AP® class.

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What exactly do mentors do with students?

MAPS mentors focus on providing activities that tutor, challenge and mentor the students. Here are some examples of past MAPS activities:

Tutoring:

• Answering student’s homework questions
• Emailing additional problem sets for students to review and practice for AP® Exam(s)
• Helping students identify areas in which they need to focus their study
• Reviewing practice AP® Exam(s)

Challenging:

• Setting-up an in-depth exploration project with students (for example, a mentor developed an ongoing exploration of calculus in nanotechnology)
• Bringing additional hands-on experiments and activities for students to work on (for example, a mentor brought in a chemistry experiment that involved making a liquid with magnetic properties)
• Sharing current work projects that relate to topics covered in AP®
• Linking current events to AP® subject matter

Mentoring:

• Developing relationships with students
• Sharing information about careers that use the subject matter
• Connecting students with professionals working in their field of interest
• Discussing college applications and decisions with students, or even writing a college letter of recommendation
• Hosting a company tour
• Sharing information about various occupations in your field
• Taking students out for a lecture and pizza

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In what subjects are AP® mentors needed?

The MAPS program is currently focused on the following AP® subjects:

• Calculus
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Physics
• Statistics
• English Language and Composition

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What schools can we mentor?

MAPS currently serves high schools in Clark County including schools in Battle Ground, Camas, La Center, Ridgefield, Vancouver and Washougal.

Where mentors are assigned will be based on the mentor’s subject matter choice, school need, student interest, and where the mentor’s geographic preference. In general, we try to match mentors with schools located conveniently near their home or workplace.

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What skills and experience do mentors need to have?

Mentors need to have the passion and desire to share their expertise with high school students, a mastery of the subject in which they intend to mentor. They do not need any teaching or mentoring experience. Mentors will need to pass a criminal background check for the school district in which they will be mentoring. They will also be required to attend a MAPS program orientation and mentor training.

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What are the benefits of participating in MAPS?

• Enhanced leadership, communication, and presentation skills
• First hand understanding of the challenges facing the K-12 system
• A meaningful way to give back to their local community
• Increased productivity and energy in the workplace

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Are there other volunteer opportunities besides becoming a mentor?

Yes. The MAPS program is looking for people to do presentations to classes about their company or job and how it relates to the subject matter, and to volunteer occasionally with study sessions in the schools we serve. This volunteer commitment may be as little as one to two hours per year.

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Timeline

April:

Complete and submit mentor application

May:

MAPS mentor orientation, matched with teacher

September:

 

MAPS mentor training

Meet teacher’s AP® class, students apply for MAPS, begin mentoring!

September-May:

Meet with students for two to four hours per month

May:

End of year event

Occasional additional MAPS meetings or special events

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Is MAPS right for you?

If you are committed to helping to develop a highly skilled workforce in Southwest Washington and has individuals who enjoy sharing their knowledge and skills with high school students, MAPS is an option for you.

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For more information:

Address: P.O. Box 2338, Vancouver, WA 98668
Email: info@apmentoring.org
Phone: (360) 718-1603