To be a mentor for the Phillips Scholarship, an adult should fulfill at least some of the qualities below, depending on the circumstance of the student:
Mentors should
- already be in a supportive relationship with a student, guiding them through the challenges of high school when there is a need for additional assistance
- be willing to continue the support in some way as the student proceeds to college
- be knowledgeable of the student’s strengths and weaknesses and be able to accurately provide a recommendation (beyond the required two) which expresses the student’s abilities and challenges and the reason why he/she should succeed academically and socially in college
- be able to either provide or find assistance for the student to collect and understand the financial information needed to apply for the FAFSA and other financially based applications
- support the student in making wise decisions regarding the choice of college to prevent overreaching financially or academically
- provide students with a supportive, yet challenging environment which creates growth and self-reliance
- supplement the role of parent or guidance counselor when there are times when aid from those sources are not available
- be a role model for students who have not necessarily had the advantage of having many positive ones in their lives
Anyone wishing to mentor a student who is applying to the Phillips Scholarship should provide a recommendation beyond the two required, and should specifically address issues which are not necessarily covered by school letters of recommendation. Mentors should identify themselves as such either in the body of the letter or under their signature.
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Comments about Mentoring
“Even today in my fourth year in college – four years after graduating from the mentoring program, Mr. Vaughn is still being as much a mentor as he has been in the past towards me, still helping me push my limits to another level of success, academically, professionally, and personally.”
Vinnie Rodriguez,
Wentworth Institute of Technology, 2010
"I am a true believer in mentoring. It has its own rewards. Beyond that, my observations of the Step Up to Excellence Program at Fitchburg convinces me more that students need help, guidance, support, and a sounding board well into their college years. This is especially important for those who, for whatever reason, don't have a strong family base."
Richard Vaughn, Fitchburg High School
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