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Our Approach

Mentor Training & Guidance
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All mentors receive a training session before being matched with a student. Our training covers the program's goals, best practices for mentoring, communication tips, and clear boundaries to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone. Mentors follow our simple guidance and structured conversation prompts throughout the program, giving them the confidence, support, and clarity they need to lead meaningful conversations every time.
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Sphere on Spiral Stairs

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✅Mentors are vetted and approved

All mentors:

  • Complete an application

  • Agree to our code of conduct

  • May complete a background Check if required by partner organizations

 

We welcome caring adults who want to support youth in a respectful, appropriate way.

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✅ Communication stays within program guidelines

Mentors and mentees:

  • Meet only during scheduled sessions

  • Communicate through approved channels

  • Keep conversations appropriate and respectful

 

No late‑night messaging, personal social media connections, or private meet

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✅ We maintain a safe, respectful environment

We do not tolerate:

  • Discrimination

  • Harassment

  • Inappropriate behavior

  • Unsafe situations

 

Any concerns are addressed immediately.

Sphere on Spiral Stairs

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✅ Mentors are guides — not tutors or therapists

Our mentors provide:

  • Encouragement

  • Career insights

  • lLife‑skills guidance

  • Supportive conversation

 

They do not provide:

  • Academic tutoring

  • Mental‑health counseling

  • Crisis intervention

  • Legal or financial advice

 

This keeps the program safe and within appropriate boundaries.

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For students under 18:

  • A parent or guardian must give consent

  • They may receive updates about the program

  • They can contact us anytime with questions

 

We believe in transparency and partnership with families.

✅ Parents/guardians stay informed

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✅Safety and Boundaries
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​​​​The safety and well-being of our students and mentors are our top priority.

NorthStar Mentoring is designed to be a positive, supportive, and appropriate environment for everyone involved. To ensure this, we follow clear guidelines that keep the program safe, simple, and focused on career and life‑skills development.​
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Matching Process

📝 STEP 1 — Youth Interest Form
Teens complete a short form sharing their interests, goals, and preferences.
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📁 STEP 2 — Curated Youth Profiles
Program staff prepares a small, intentional set of youth profiles for mentors to browse.
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🎯 STEP 3 — Mentor Selection
Mentors choose 1–3 youth they feel aligned with based on interests and compatibility.
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✔️ STEP 4 — Staff Confirmation
NorthStar staff reviews selections, ensures safety and fit, and finalizes the match.
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🤝 STEP 5 — First Meeting + Ongoing Support
The match begins with a guided first meeting and light, ongoing support from the program.

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