youth
Mentoring
What is Youth Mentoring?
Mentoring involves a structured, trusting, and positive relationship between a younger individual or “mentee” and a responsible and caring adult or “mentor.”
The Psychological Sciences Department sponsors two Youth Mentoring Programs that pair local elementary and middle school students or “mentees” with WOU undergraduate students serving as “mentors.”
Mentors need to pass a criminal background check. Programs require a WOU classroom component and weekly mentoring time scheduled off the WOU campus at the elementary or middle school.
Information about each Youth Mentoring Program appears below.
PSY 310: Building Resilience in Children (4 Credits)
In this service-learning course, students learn about working with children from diverse backgrounds and apply their knowledge to weekly experiences at Independence Elementary School (IES) in Independence, Oregon.
GEN ED – Integrating Knowledge: Citizenship, Social Responsibility, and Global Awareness
Offered Winter Term
Contact: Chehalis Strapp – strappc@wou.edu or 503-838-8316
PSY 410/411: Mentoring I and II (8 Credits)
Students serve as a mentor to a Talmadge Middle School (TMS) youth who may be experiencing personal, social, and academic barriers. Mentors learn and apply psychological knowledge to the mentoring relationship in class and focus on being a positive role model while interacting weekly at TMS. The mentors assist youth in developing problem-solving skills for academic, emotional, and social growth while providing a caring space for teens to feel respected and heard.
Offered Winter and Spring terms by application only. Being a mentor at TMS requires a 2-term commitment. WOU Students must apply to be a mentor in early November for the following Winter and Spring terms. Mentors are accepted to the program before Winter registration.
Contact: Brooke Dolenc-Nott – nottb@wou.edu or 503-838-9327
