School-Based Mentoring and Volunteer Opportunities

Traverse City Area Public Schools has offered a school-based mentoring program since 1999. The mission of TCAPS' School-Based Mentoring Program is to connect young people with caring adults to promote success, healthy behaviors, and a stronger community. Adult volunteers are background checked, trained, and placed in a school site that is convenient for the volunteer. Volunteers may choose the day, time, and activity that most suits their interest and ability. One hour, once per week during the school day is desirable and makes a significant impact for youth and adults.

Top Ten Reasons to Volunteer at TCAPS

1. Parents and grandparents of TCAPS students have the unique opportunity to observe their own children to see them growing and learning in the school setting.
2. Volunteers have an ability to understand and contribute to the culture and community of their schools.
3. Studies indicated that retirement age people who volunteer in schools have a larger social network, are healthier, and are more active.
4. Volunteers benefit from social interactions with enthusiastic adults who make a difference in our community (teachers, other volunteers, coaches, staff, principals).
5. Volunteers have opportunities to share and preserve interests, hobbies that will become a legacy.
6. Volunteers gain familiarity, understanding, and optimism about the positive potential of youth in the community.
7. Volunteer hours, locations, and frequency and roles are completely flexible.
8. Volunteer gain a first hand view of community needs, opportunities, and potential solutions.
9. “A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.” Author Unknown, but true for mentors and mentees.
10. Volunteering is fun!

How can you become a TCAPS volunteer? 
Contact Trish Fiebing, TCAPS Volunteer Coordinator, at 231-933-5654. Volunteers may choose the day, time, and activity that most suits their interest and availability.  Click here to learn more:  Current Volunteer Opportunities