The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is a career-focused mentoring program for youth with disabilities involved with or at-risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system. The RAMP model utilizes a combination of group, peer, and one-on-one mentoring to promote the successful transition of RAMP youth to employment, continued learning opportunities, and independent living. The youth meet weekly with mentors and our program staff to develop and implement an individualized career-based mentoring plan and participate in group activities. An example of group meeting activities include trust and team building games, workshops to learn how to talk about their disabilities, as well as work readiness skills, career exploration, mock interview sessions, and goal setting. At the end of the program cycle, each group of youth works with an industry advisor to complete a high tech project. The goal of the program is the successful transition of high school youth to employment, continued learning opportunities, and independent living.
Ø Serve as a positive role model and friend
Ø Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together
Ø Strive for mutual respect
Ø Build self-esteem and motivation
Ø Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them
Ø Make a commitment from today, or as soon as you can, to August 2010
Ø Attend an hour long initial training session
Ø Attend at least 1 group meeting a month (group meetings are about 1 hour in length, meeting commitments are flexible during summer months)
Ø Communicate with the mentee weekly
Ø Attend a one-on-one mentor/mentee session with matched mentee once per quarter
Ø Locations: Austin High School and Marshall High School; both within Fort Bend ISD. Houston ISD and Pasadena ISD coming soon.
Participation Requirements
Ø Be at least 21 years old
Ø Be interested in working with young people
Ø Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures
Ø Be willing to complete the application and screening process
Ø Attend mentor orientation sessions as prescribed
Ø Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
Ø Have access to an automobile; have auto insurance and a good driving record
Ø If background includes court involvement, be able to demonstrate current good standing with the justice system and the personal capacity to serve as a consistent, positive role model and mentor for youth.
Ø If background includes alcohol and/or substance abuse and/or a mental health need, be able to demonstrate completed or ongoing treatment, as well as a reasonable period of continuous sobriety or stability and the personal capacity to serve as a consistent, positive role model and mentor for youth.
RAMP, youth have the opportunity to: assess and explore their own career interests; develop a plan and set goals for their transition; create a resource map of their community’s high tech industries; participate in weekly group and peer-to-peer mentoring; gain workplace soft skills; build resume-writing and interviewing skills; interact with employers and experience a variety of work settings; give and receive peer support; take advantage of group and personal leadership opportunities; design and build a high tech-related team project, and most importantly… have fun!
