Falmouth VIPS School-based Mentoring Programs
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Mentoring changes two lives. If you have one hour a week and would like to learn more about the difference you can make in the life of a Falmouth student, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our short video, produce by Brian Switzer Video, for a quick overview of the program. Then give us a call at (508) 548-1621 to schedule an appointment. |

Falmouth VIPS oversees a school-based mentor program, initiated in 1994. This program was created in response to a request from school adjustment counselors who asked VIPS to recruit caring individuals who could spend an hour a week with a student to serve as a role model, supporter, and friend. While many students in need of a mentor are considered to be at-risk for one or more factors, other students come to the program because they have recently experienced change or a difficult situation and may be finding it hard to cope. A mentor can make a significant difference in that student's self-confidence and self-esteem.
The VIPS school-based mentoring program has served as a model for other school districts, including Martha's Vineyard (the "Island Connections" mentoring program for ELL high school students), Bourne Middle School, Old Rochester Regional Vocational Technical High School (peer mentoring program), and Monomoy.
The VIPS school-based mentoring program has served as a model for other school districts, including Martha's Vineyard (the "Island Connections" mentoring program for ELL high school students), Bourne Middle School, Old Rochester Regional Vocational Technical High School (peer mentoring program), and Monomoy.
Thanks to Bethany from Amazing Animal Ambassadors in S. Yarmouth, MA, for sharing a fantastic variety of animals and birds with K-6 students and their mentors in a series of school visits to celebrate the end of the 2022-23 school year. Here are a few photos from the presentations:

Learn More about Mentoring by contacting the Mentor Programs Leader, Niisa Morton at (508) 548-1621 or by sending an email to mentor@falmouth.k12.ma.us. We can provide an orientation session, training, and introduce you to our veteran mentors who are always happy to share their experiences with new volunteer mentors.
Training and Support for Mentors and Program Staff
Falmouth VIPS collaborates with many local organizations to provide orientation, training, and ongoing support to its mentors throughout the school year. During regular monthly meetings and special evening presentations, mentors are updated on issues relevant to their students by professionals from the region. Thanks to our friends at Mass Mentoring Partnership for their outstanding professional development opportunities, trainings, and access to the latest research in the field of youth mentoring.