Hello and thanks for your interest in applying to join the AWARE Team! Please read the instructions below carefully before beginning the application. This application may take some time to complete; however, you are able to save this application as you work on it.We will be reviewing applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis so we recommend applying before the deadline. Applications will close on March 3rd.
AWARE is a mentoring program that brings together female-identifying college students with middle school girls at Blacksburg Middle School in order to empower them and allow them to discuss a wide variety of topics that may not otherwise be available to them. This is not a traditional 1:1 mentoring project, but instead a group of volunteers is matched with a grade level group (6th, 7th, or 8th) for weekly in-school sessions. The discussion and activities are planned by the volunteers at weekly meetings. This is a creative and challenging process that allows the group to be responsive to the needs of the BMS students. The curriculum traditionally has addressed such issues as body image, healthy friendships, creativity, peer pressure, and sexual harassment, among others.
The time commitment for AWARE is a minimum of 2 hours per week. Planning meetings are held weekly for approximately one hour, and each session at the middle school lasts about one hour. There will also be a few other training sessions and activities that volunteers will be expected to attend throughout the year. There is also the opportunity to hold social get-togethers and we work to do so a few times a year.
Volunteers can participate in either 6th, 7th, or 8th grade groups, and the format for each one will vary. As far as we know, next year in-school sessions will take place on Fridays from 10:30-11:22, 11:24-12:16, and 12:20-1:12, though these times are always subject to change by the school. Note: you will only need to be available for one of these sessions.
Consistent attendance at meetings and the classroom sessions is required because all of the ideas shared help to shape the program and every mentor creates relationships with the middle schoolers. Continuity and consistency are essential. While we understand that at this point VT students do not know their schedule for the coming semester, we would ask that if you are accepted that you do whatever you can to be available for the Friday session.
We ask that you commit to AWARE for a MINIMUM of one semester, with the hope that each volunteer will remain involved through their time at Virginia Tech. We will accept applications from all, but especially encourage Freshmen and Sophomores to apply.
If you don't have your own transportation to Blacksburg Middle School (a 5-10 minute drive down Prices Fork Road) we have been successful in the past with providing carpool options. Blacksburg Middle School is located in off of Prices Fork Road, and you must budget time to travel there and back.