Hello! As another successful academic year comes to an end, we would like to thank all of the mentors who participated with us this year. Also, we want to start preparing ourselves for next year. If you are interested in participating with us as a mentor please fill out the following form.
 
Please read the following information about CIR and our mentoring program:
 
College Is Real is a non-profit organization that operates at De Anza, Kennedy, and Richmond High Schools with the intent to help students (traditionally first-generation, low-income students) go to college. Through academic and college advising, tutoring, college visits, guest speakers, workshops, and mentoring we aim to better prepare and guide our students towards the pursuit and attainment of higher education. Over the last 15 years, the program has grown from 16 students to 325+ students currently served, with over 200 CIR alumni enrolled or graduated from college.
 
Mentoring is a crucial part of our program because it serves to supplement some of the conversations and information that students lack and typically cannot get at home. Mentors have the ability to really transform the lives of our students by sharing their educational journeys, offering guidance, support and reemphasizing accountability to ensure our students' success.
 
We have two different mentor models available.
Individual mentoring (In-person or Virtual). You would be paired with two mentees of the same gender and most times the same grade level. You will meet with your mentees, in person at their school or through Zoom, and are able to choose the time/day of your meetings so that it is convenient both for you and your mentees. We find that regular, consistent contact with mentees is most effective and we ask mentors to commit to “meeting” with their students at least once per month and to be in contact with them (text, phone, etc.) at least once per week. It is expected and encouraged that you remain your students' mentor until they graduate high school. Many mentors also stay in touch with their mentees during college and beyond!

Group mentoring. You will be part of a group of mentors that meets with a group of students at school once per month. Each session will have a topic/lesson guide and you will have more direction and know what to address each time. You may not form as close of a bond with particular students but you have an opportunity to work with a variety of students/grade levels. This model has less flexibility with the day and time of meetings but if you cannot attend one day, there will still be a group of mentors to support our students.