How Academy 4 Works

 
 
 
 

Academy 4 mentors want to make our community better by making a real difference in the lives of kids! Once a month, they come together and mentor EVERY 4th grader in the economically disadvantaged schools we serve. Each Academy 4 mentor is matched with one 4th grader and is focused on building a positive relationship.

In just 90 minutes, once a month, Academy 4 mentors make a positive difference. Every minute spent is purposeful and it is easy for mentors to just show up and do their jobs well.

 

The fun starts with each 4th grader participating in two 45-minute Spark Clubs, on topics like sports, music, STEM, art, and cooking. As Spark Clubs end, mentors arrive and connect with their 4th graders. Our LEADERS Assembly introduces the month’s leadership topic and sets a positive tone for the day, and launches everybody’s favorite part of the afternoon - Mentoring Time! Every 4th grader has their own mentor throughout the year. Each month they work through our research-based leadership curriculum and enjoy our fun Hang Time games, crafts, and other activities. 

 
 
 
 

Academy 4 mentors are equipped with: 

  • Training and inspiration 

  • Effective and easy-to-follow leadership curriculum 

  • Fun and engaging activities

FAQs

  • Academy 4 is a leadership mentoring program for fourth graders that gives you a way to connect, engage, and make a difference in your community. We seek to have an impact for good in our community and build hope in fourth graders in low-income schools.

  • 4th graders are on the cusp of adolescence, have the language skills and cognitive ability to gather information, formulate opinions and thoughts that are wellorganized and thought-out. They are at a stage between childhood and adolescence where they are more open to and listen to adults. Fourth graders are becoming individualistic, and their values and morals are forming. Also, 4th graders are fun to be around!

  • You can help by becoming a mentor. Our volunteers come together and serve for 90 minutes, one Friday, once a month during the school year.

  • Complete the online Mentor Registration form

    Complete background checks as required by the school and Academy 4.

    Complete Academy 4 Child Safety Training and School Orientation.

  • We make it simple. We train you and prepare you each month so that you know what to do each Academy 4 Friday. You will also have the support of those with whom you are serving. Just show up and be a dependable role model who will invest time and express care for the student.

  • As you consider becoming a mentor, the following characteristics are important to being a great mentor:

    • A sincere desire to be involved in the life of a young person

    • Active Listener

    • Empathetic

    • Encouraging

    • Flexible and open to new ideas

  • Two absences per school year are allowed and substitutes are provided if you are absent. Please let your site coordinator know ahead of time if you will be absent.

  • We have an online orientation that helps you learn more about Academy 4, how to be a good mentor, and our policies for keeping students safe. At the beginning of every Academy 4, we provide a short training session to share with you the focus of the day, what is our One Big Thing for the day, and reminders about child safety. Our workbook curriculum is easy to follow, and all supplies needed for lessons and activities are provided.

  • You can become a mentor by going online to our website. https://www.academy4.org/mentor

  • 1:00 – 1:15 Mentors Arrive & Check In

    1:15 – 1:30 Mentor Training

    1:30 – 1:45 LEADERS Assembly

    1:45 – 2:15 Compass Workbook mentoring

    2:15 – 2:45 Hang time with Mentors

  • Academy 4 mentors commit to 90 minutes one Friday per month during the school day. These Fridays are pre-determined by Academy 4 and can be found on the Locations page of the school where you mentor. While we understand you might not be able to attend every Academy 4 Friday, the program is most successful and you can have the biggest impact on the student by attending consistently. If you know you will miss more than twice, we ask that you consider being a substitute mentor for a mentor who is unable to attend.

    There are also other non-mentoring volunteer positions at each school. Check with the Site Coordinator of your school for available positions.

  • There are many ways to help Academy 4. You can become a substitute mentor, a Spark Club leader, and/or you can donate online to https://www.academy4.org/donate-now. We thank you for your service, patience, and prayers. We know our 4th graders need caring mentors more than ever, and we look forward to being able to come together and mentor 4th Graders soon this year! We are still recruiting mentors for this school year. Please help us by spreading the word and inviting someone to join you and mentor. New mentors can apply at https://academy4.org/mentor-sign-up .

Make a Difference, Mentor!