The Chances for Children Mentor Program offers complimentary support to Chances tertiary recipients, by matching students with a mentor in the town or city where the student is studying. The mentor strives to advise, encourage and guide their mentee according to the mentee’s specific needs.

Participation is not compulsory but the young person is strongly encouraged to consider their needs during a time of considerable change in their lives. The value and benefits of mentoring are illustrated to the young person through information packs including testimonials and quotes from past participants.

All Chances mentors are volunteers. Once matched through the program the mentor and student are obliged to keep in touch on a monthly basis for a minimum of twelve months.

Each Chances mentor is provided with training and support to assist them in their role as a mentor. As part of the application process, anyone interested in becoming a mentor is required to undergo a Police Check and/or a Working with Children check. In most cases, mentor matches are made on same gender basis.

The program aims to support Chances tertiary recipients to reach their potential while in pursuit of education, employment and the discovery of their own strengths. A young person leaving their home town to take up tertiary education may experience a number of significant challenges, especially during the first year. It is hoped that the mentor will provide friendship, support and guidance during this transition phase of a young person’s life.

As well as providing support during the first year of study a number of matches have resulted
in life long friendships and networking opportunities leading to career prospects. Mentoring works!