The CHILL Chariho Mentoring Program helps to empower youth in the Chariho community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. By becoming part of the network of adults and community members who work with youth, mentors can help students develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.

Mentoring is a special partnership between two people based on commitment to the mentoring process, common goals/expectations of the partnership, mutual trust and respect. Mentoring is both a “get and give” experience with the goal of providing a rich and rewarding experience for both the mentor and mentee.

The mission of the CHILL Chariho Mentoring Program is to provide at-risk (i.e., academically, behaviorally, and socially) 5th-12th grade students, currently enrolled at Chariho Regional Middle School (CMS), Chariho Regional High School (CHS), or the Chariho Alternative Learning Academy (CALA), with individual and group mentoring experiences focused on building positive and supportive personal connections thoughtfully designed to inspire learners to become leaders.

- Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship

- Serve as a positive role model and friend

- Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities and virtual meetings together (this will depend on COVID guidelines and regulations)

- Help mentees set goals (e.g., academic, career, or personal) and work toward accomplishing them

- Be at least 21 years of age

- Reside in one of the Chariho member towns or another close-by Southern Rhode Island community

- Prior experience or demonstrated involvement in youth development activities, including promoting college attendance, career preparation, military careers, etc.

- Be willing to adhere to all CHILL Program regulations and procedures, including completing all screening procedure (i.e., complete written application; federal criminal background check; provide two reference contacts); personal interview, attending required mentor training, and communicating regularly with the program coordinator.

- Agree, in writing, to a school year commitment to the program

- Commit to spending a minimum of 3 hours per month with mentee (separate from monthly group meetings)*

- Attend a monthly CHILL Program group meeting with the program coordinator and other mentor/mentee pairs (approximately 1-2 hours per meeting)

- Be willing to communicate with the mentee weekly (e.g., in-person, phone call, email, text)

- Agree to a federal criminal background check

*After 3 months of participation in the program, mentors should strive to reach 8 hours of mentoring per month (including group activities, 1-on-1 meetings, virtual meetings, and electronic communication).

Mentors selected to participate in the CHILL Program will:

- Serve as volunteers for the Chariho Regional School District

- Participate in mentor/mentee group activities (on- and off-campus, virtual and potentially in person)

- Have access to complimentary tickets to community events and activities

- Be invited to attend community recognition events

- Receive ongoing support and supervision to help nurture the mentor-mentee relationship

Upon reviewing your application, the program coordinator will contact you with further questions and to schedule an in-person or virtual interview.

For more information, contact the CHILL Chariho Mentoring Program coordinator, Katie Kirakosian, at katie.kirakosian@chariho.k12.ri.us.