ASCENT Mentor Workshop right around the corner

ASCENT mentors program needs volunteers

A message from Shannon Ellis-Vice President, Student Services:

The University is proud to partner with Hug High School on the ASCENT mentors program. “All Students College Educated in Nevada Today” is making a positive difference in students’ lives. I am writing to invite you to help us continue this important work by becoming a mentor this fall or next spring.

Volunteer mentors are asked to commit up to three hours a month spending time with their mentee specifically discussing college aspirations and offering guidance on college applications, financial goals, scholarship and career opportunities. Many of the students will be the first in their family to attend a university. Your ability to ask the right questions, raise the important issues and point them to helpful resources is critical. Our mentor training and resource staff will provide you with all the support you need to be a great mentor.

If you are interested in joining over 100 faculty, staff, alumni and community members already involved in the program please fill out a mentor application and submit it to Ellen Houston at ehouston@unr.edu or fax it to (775) 682-8977 or call (775) 682-8404 by July 15th. Thank you for considering our invitation.

Sincerely,

Shannon Ellis
Vice President, Student Services

Hug High sophomores, juniors attend student-training workshop

The ASCENT mentor program assists and keeps Nevada’s students college bound.

One hundred and sixty Hug High School students from the 2009 and 2010 graduating classes are slated to attend a student-training session as part of the University-affiliated All Students College Educated in Nevada Today (ASCENT) mentor program on Wednesday, May 7 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. The training will be held at the Boys and Girls Club at Hug, 2860 Sutro St., Reno.

“The workshop is a great place for students in the mentorship program to mingle, and discuss expectations, goals and communication tactics,” Hug Dean of Students Courtney Klaich said.

Five members of Delta Epsilon Iota, an academic honor society at the University, will share their college experiences and participate in a question-and-answer panel with the mentees during the student-only training session.

“We are proud to be involved with the mentoring program and hope the students gain something from our discussion,” said Delta Epsilon Iota member Ellen Webb.

Community mentors who volunteer for the program are asked to commit one to three hours monthly with a student to discuss college applications, financial goals, scholarships and career options. The partnership’s goal is to help students continue their education and attend a university or community college.

ASCENT is in the second year of a three-year program period with topics that evolve annually based upon the mentee’s individual goals and timelines. The planning committee at the University and Hug High is expanding the program during the next academic year and will match mentors with incoming freshmen.

Volunteers mentoring sophomores are helping prepare them for ACT college entrance tests in June, evaluating proficiency-exam scores, discussing career choices and personal finance management, as well as reviewing weekly report cards and attendance records.

Mentors paired with juniors are helping them prepare for advanced placement and SAT college entrance tests, as well as evaluating proficiency exam scores, submitting scholarship applications, assisting students enrolling for summer school classes, and helping coordinate other summer plans.

Community members who are interested in volunteering as a mentor in the fall 2008 or spring 2009 session should contact Klaich at cklaich@washoe.k12.nv.us or call (775) 327-5604. Nearly 200 volunteers are needed.