Scholars Mentor Policies & Procedures

The Clark State Scholars Program, supported by the Clark State College Foundation, is designed to encourage and empower students who face social and economic barriers to work toward a college education.

As a mentor in the Clark State Scholars Program, I will:

1. Commit to participating in the program for at least one year with the intention of committing to mentor a group of Scholars through their high school graduation.
   
   
2. Complete New Mentor Onboarding and consent to completing FBI and BCI background checks, which will be shared with and retained on file by Clark State and the partnering school district as part of the mentor approval process.
   
   
3. Commit to meeting with my assigned group of Scholars once each month during the school year at the designated meeting time.
   
   
4. Approach Scholar meetings with positivity, encouragement and support, with the goal of building relationships rooted in trust and respect. I understand that inappropriate or unwelcome behavior toward students is not permitted and may result in my removal as a mentor in the Clark State Scholars Program.
   
   
5. Notify the Scholars Program Team as soon as possible if I am unable to attend a scheduled mentor meeting (contact below).
   
   
6. Communicate with the Scholars Program Team if I am unable to fulfill my responsibilities as a mentor so that alternative support arrangements can be made as soon as possible (contact below).
   
   
7. Refrain from giving individual Scholars or their family members gifts or accepting gifts from them. Exceptions may be made for small, low-cost items provided consistently across an entire Scholar group.
   
   
8. Agree to not meet with Scholars offsite (outside of school and official Scholars campus events) unless the meeting has been approved in advance by the Clark State Scholars Team.
   
   
9. Agree to not transport Scholars for any reason. Scholars are responsible for arranging their own transportation to campus and offsite events.
   
   
10. Understand that the Scholars Team will only provide school email addresses of Scholars. Scholars may choose to share additional contact information and request alternate methods of communication with their mentor.
    
    
11. Protect the confidentiality of information related to Scholars and their families including contact information, student grades/GPAs and any sensitive personal information shared with me.
    
    
12. Notify the Scholars Program Team if I become aware of concerns related to a Scholar’s well-being. I understand that the Scholars Program Team are mandated reporters and are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
    
    
13. Contact the Scholars Program Team if I experience challenges related to working with Scholars, school staff or fellow mentors.
    
    
14. Understand the Scholars team manages the programming of the Scholars Program at the high school and college levels, and is the point of contact when Mentors experience challenges, have questions or ideas, or need support.