A Site-Based Mentoring Solution
In-School Mentoring is designed for children in grades 1-9 (ages 6–15) who could benefit from extra support and encouragement during the school day. Each student is paired with a caring mentor who provides consistent, one-to-one time in a safe and familiar setting.
Mentors meet with their mentee once a week for one hour, always on the same day and time (for example, Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m.). All visits take place on school property and focus on fun, engaging activities that help build confidence and connection.
This program is offered in select schools across Calgary, Airdrie, and Rocky View County
How It Works
The programs run for one school year, following the school calendar, including breaks and PD days. Once matched, mentors and mentees spend time together doing activities like board games, crafts, reading, or simply talking about their week.
No parental involvement is required beyond initial consent, which helps make the process easy and accessible for families. To make scheduling easier, we aim to match mentors with students in schools close to their home or workplace.
📘 Spotlight on Simplicity
Just one hour a week, right at school, is enough to make a big difference. In-School Mentoring is flexible, easy to commit to, and deeply rewarding.
Different Ways to Get Involved
Adult In-School Mentoring
Adult In-School Mentoring connects volunteers with children right in their school environment. Mentors meet with their mentee once a week for an hour, engaging in activities that spark fun, creativity, and connection. It could be as simple as playing board games, baking, crafting, reading, or kicking a ball around outside.
Each visit is supported by the school, with space, supplies, and a contact person to make the experience smooth and welcoming. Within this safe and consistent relationship, children build important social-emotional learning skills like confidence, communication, and problem-solving, while gaining access to new supports within their school and community.
🌟 Spotlight on Belonging
Young adults who were mentored during childhood are more than twice as likely to feel they belong in their local communities compared to peers without a mentor (Mentor Canada).
Teen Mentoring
Teen Mentoring brings together elementary-aged students and teens from local junior and senior high schools in a fun, structured school-based program. Matches meet once a week during the school day, supported by a Mentoring Coordinator and school staff who help make sure every session is positive and engaging.
Often, an entire leadership class from a junior high or high school is matched with a neighbouring elementary school. They begin in a group setting and then move into one-to-one matches, creating a balance of community and individual connection.
For the younger students, having an older peer to look up to provides encouragement, confidence, and a sense of belonging. For the teen mentors, the experience builds leadership, time management, and communication skills, making the impact of this program truly twofold.
🌟 Spotlight on Impact
Students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52% less likely to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a class (Public/Private Ventures Study of BBBS).
Are you a school administrator or educator who is interested in having a teen mentoring program in YOUR school?
Please contact Heather Duncanson, Team Lead of School Programs, to start the conversation today!
Between Generations
Between Generations brings together elementary students (ages 6–12) and volunteers aged 55 and up. These senior mentors meet regularly, typically at school or a community location, to share their stories, life lessons, and companionship with a young person in a meaningful and structured way. Matches are supported throughout by a Mentoring Coordinator who ensures the relationship stays positive, connected, and consistently rewarding.
💖Spotlight on Health
Just one hour of volunteering per week, roughly 50 hours per year, is linked with slower biological aging among older adults, according to recent research (health.com).
What’s Next?
If you’re ready to help shape someone’s future, and maybe your own along the way, In-school Mentorship is a great place to start.
Be A Mentor
One-to-One Mentoring is at the core of our programs. You can have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of the children and youth.
Our Impact
