Communities In Schools - Central Texas Inc.

Mentoring through Communities in Schools

Are you patient, enthusiastic, and dependable? Do you enjoy a good game of one-on-one basketball or Connect-Four, or just a good conversation with a young person? Interested in changing a child's life? If so, CIS is looking for you! We need responsible, consistent adult role models to serve as mentors for students in elementary, middle and high schools. Often students are surrounded by negative influences, such as drug abuse, poverty, and gang involvement. Mentors can provide them with the positive influence and hope necessary to deal with their problems. Mentors may participate in a number of activities with students, such as helping with homework, playing games, reading together, playing sports, or just hanging out and talking.

Campus-based Mentoring

CIS needs mentors in elementary, middle and high schools across Austin, Hays County (Buda and Kyle), Georgetown, Bastrop and Lockhart school districts. CIS campus-based mentors commit at least one hour a week - Monday through Friday, during the school day - for the duration of the school year. Some of our mentors do stay on with a child for more than one year, sometimes all the way until high school graduation! CIS tries to match up mentors and students with similar interests and hobbies. Being consistent, committed, and a positive role model are a must for all CIS mentors. Mentors are also required to submit two letters of reference, undergo a criminal background check, interview with a member of the CIS volunteer services staff, and attend a CIS volunteer orientation session.

To volunteer as a campus-based mentor, Click here to fill out a CIS volunteer application. If you have any questions, contact us at volunteer@cisaustin.org, or call (512) 464-9767.

*We are currently switching to new volunteer application software and are in the process of working out any complications with the program. Please email arainwater@cisaustin.org in the meantime if you would like to volunteer.

School-to-Community Mentoring

"Mentoring Matters" is a collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas. This program provides volunteers with the opportunity to begin mentoring in a school setting and transition into a community setting. Visit our Mentoring Matters page for more info.