One-on-One Mentoring Program
The DSABC One-on-One Mentoring Program is a school-based program that matches a supportive and caring adult who assists students to succeed in school by developing a one-on-one relationship. Mentors serve as a positive adult role model providing moral support and encouragement. The program’s objectives are to improve academic performance, attendance, behavior, attitude toward school, and most importantly, self-esteem and motivation. Its main long-term goal is dropout prevention.
The One-on-One Mentoring Program relies on adult, volunteer mentors that are committed to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least one school year. By becoming part of the school network of adults and community members who care about Danbury’s youth, the mentor can help their mentee student develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals. Mentors and students engage in a variety of activities including, but not limited to, playing games, working on academic activities, reading, setting goals, sharing experiences, and simply talking.
The mentor works with school staff to provide extra support, encouragement, and attention to help the student achieve their potential.
What do Mentors Do?
- Engage in a one-on-one relationship with a student, offering support and guidance.
- Act as a friend, confidant, and positive adult role model.
- Meet with their mentee weekly during school hours.
- Spend time playing games, reading, talking, listening, and working on academic activities together.
How do I Become a Mentor?
DSABC requires that new mentors complete an online application along with a criminal background check. Once completed, mentors attend a one-hour virtual training session. Mentors are assigned to a school based on their preference for grade level and gender, proximity to work/home, and need.
Get a Mentor
Any student enrolled in one of the public schools in Danbury, including Henry Abbott Technical High School, can request a mentor. After a student is referred to DSABC either through a counselor, community group, parent, or self-elects to be a part of the program, the student’s parent/guardian must fill out a permission slip from DSABC and return to the school’s main office or directly to DSABC. The school and student will be notified when a mentor is assigned.
Scholarship Program
DSABC presents a scholarship to students participating in the One-on-One Mentor Program upon high school graduation. The scholarship can be applied to any post-secondary educational pursuit and is renewable for up to three years. Since its inception in 1997, DSABC has presented more than 100 students with over $150,000 in scholarships. Students have used the DSABC scholarships at a variety of schools including:
- Central Connecticut State University
- Naugatuck Valley Community College
- North Carolina State University
- Norwalk Community College
- Norwich University
- Paul Mitchell School
- Post University
- Premier Education Group
- Ricci’s Academy
- Roger Williams University
- Sacred Heart University
- Shaw University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of Connecticut
- University of New Hampshire
- Westchester Community College
- Western Connecticut State University
Career Readiness Support
Over the years, DSABC has supported various programs to help prepare students for life after graduation.
Foundations for Your Future
Thanks to support from Union Savings Bank, DSABC has organized workshops and field trips (e.g., college tours) to support students as they prepare for life after graduation. Workshops have included topics such as:
- Ready, Set, Entrepreneurship
- Financial Literacy Basics
- Managing Credit
- Applying to College
Tours of colleges in Connecticut have included trips to Naugatuck Valley Community College, Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and University of New Haven.
DECO
For students enrolled in the Danbury Early College Opportunity Program (DECO) at Danbury High School, DSABC has helped to coordinate internships at various local companies for them to gain valuable skills, equipping them with the necessary tools for success in the workplace and beyond. Students have successfully completed internships at a number of companies and agencies including:
- AcquireWeb, Inc.
- Amber Room Colonnade
- Benay Enterprises
- Candace V. Fay – Attorney & Counselor at Law, PC
- City of Danbury
- Danbury Library
- Dream House Realty, LLC
- ICONS, LLC
- Ingersoll Automotive
- Naugatuck Valley Community College
- Oak Branch Advisors
- United Way of Western CT
Additionally, employees from Branson, Savings Bank of Danbury, Boehringer Ingelheim, LesserEvil, and Union Savings Bank volunteered their time to conduct mock interviews with our students to prepare them for their first job interviews.