The School-Based Mentoring Program matches elementary, intermediate, and/or middle school students with a high school or adult mentor.

Matches meet for 30 minutes, one day per week, at the school during school hours. Match time may include playing games, talking, reading a book, doing a craft, or working on a project- with the focus always centered on building a caring and supportive friendship the student can look forward to.

School mentoring matches help build students’ social skills and self-esteem to foster a better attitude toward learning — ultimately improving school success.

Kinship partners closely with all 8 Polk County School Districts to meet the unique needs within each setting. School staff help identify and prioritize students who would most benefit from mentoring support.

For more information on enrolling your child in the program, please contact the Kinship office.

NOTE: At this time, high school mentors are able to meet the needs of all school buildings, with the exception of Osceola Elementary School. If you are an adult in the Osceola area and would be interested in mentoring an elementary student, please contact Karalee Tollakson.