One-on-one peer mentorship for newly arrived immigrant students adjusting to life in the United States.
Our Mentorship Program pairs newly arrived immigrant students with peer mentors who have already gone through the experience of adjusting to life in the United States. Mentors are high school students who understand the challenges of navigating a new language, school system, and culture firsthand.
The program goes beyond academic tutoring. It addresses the full range of challenges immigrant students face, including English communication, school culture, social adjustment, and the emotional weight of starting over in a new country.
Each mentor and mentee pair meets online through Google Meet once a week for 50 minutes, over a total of 8 weeks. Sessions are conversation-based, with materials designed to encourage natural dialogue rather than short question-and-answer exchanges. Topics range from everyday school life to personal experiences and practical advice for adapting to a new environment.
Mentees gain greater confidence in speaking English, a clearer understanding of American school and social norms, and a trusted peer they can turn to with questions and concerns. Mentors develop stronger leadership, communication skills, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.
Mentees are immigrant students in grades 7 through 12 who have recently arrived in the United States. No strict English proficiency requirement exists, as long as the student can engage in basic communication. Mentors must be students in grades 9 through 12 who have lived in the United States for at least two years and can communicate comfortably in English.
Mentors must demonstrate responsibility and commitment to the program. All mentors are expected to follow communication guidelines, maintain professionalism, adhere to scheduling expectations, and observe online safety and privacy rules.