E-Mentor
LSS also provides e-mentoring as an option for volunteers who are unable to mentor in person. E-mentors correspond through monitored electronic communication on a regular (at least weekly) basis.
E-mentors are matched with middle or high school students attending Harrisburg or West Central school district. This format allows students from communities with a small population to have the support and encouragement of a mentor.
LSS has contracted with iMentor to provide a web-platform for e-mentoring. This allows the communication between the student and volunteer to be archived and monitored (if needed). No personal email addresses or contact information is shared between the student and mentor.
A series of writing prompts are provided and function as a question and answer series for students and mentors to use in their communication. Topics range from current events, to goal setting to describing a dream vacation. Students and mentors may choose to simply write about their daily life in addition to using the provided prompts.
Mentors must go through a special training that will cover the technical features of this type of mentoring.
In addition to writing students, LSS offers mentors and students opportunities to meet in person. The group of e-mentor students and mentors are able to meet during quarterly group outings. Locations for events include local sporting events, volunteer opportunities or educational settings. Participation in the field trips is not required, although it is encouraged that both mentors and students make it a priority to attend.
