As part of a University of Michigan program, I became a mentor to a number of High School students at Community High in Ann Arbor. This program involves an academic lecture/class and hands on activity.
Here is a blurb about the class:
This experiential learning course is designed to provide mentoring experiences for students in the Ann Arbor Public Schools who are regarded at risk for low achievement. We will pair college students with elementary and high school students in order to help students with homework, to encourage effective learning strategies, to set goals, and to help them develop appropriate coping strategies. College students who can relate to younger students' concerns are a tremendous resource for their learning and motivation. Conversely, college students can learn a great deal from children and adolescents as they work through issues.
The course will provide a personal relationship and useful academic information in order to help grade school students become more successful and more motivated in school. University students will be expected to participate in mentoring a minimum of eight hours per week, read related background information, keep a weekly journal, and write a 5-10 page paper.
I worked closely with three students at Community High. They were in a special support class where they got help with their homework. The students were diverse and had various difficulties ranging from learning disabilities, developmental problems, to social and economic problems. I tried to break their routine and besides helping them with class work I also listened to their problems, gave my advice and socialized with them.
It felt great to help these students. They were very sweet. One of the highlights of the mentorship was joining the school on a day at the park where we got to play sports games and socialize.