Certified Mentoring Programs

A key component to a successful mentoring experience is the support of a great mentoring program. Mentor Kenosha & Racine provides training and certification for new and established mentoring programs in Racine and Kenosha Counties.

What is a Certified program?
Exemplary mentoring organizations can demonstrate their special commitment to maintaining high standards by becoming Certified Mentoring Programs. This designation informs potential mentors of the program’s high standards and allows Mentor Kenosha & Racine to help recruit mentors for certified programs.

CLICK HERE to view current certified programs in place.

What is the advantage of becoming a Certified program?
Community Partners who provide mentors often want assurance that the mentoring programs are well-run and to know that their mentors will be appropriately trained and supported. Becoming a Certified program indicates that your organization has met or exceeded the highest standards of management, operations, training and evaluation.  As a Certified program, you will be connected to Mentor Kenosha & Racine’s many resources like training, technical assistance and marketing support.  Mentor Kenosha & Racine provides recruitment assistance for Certified programs.

What makes a program eligible to become Certified?  
To become eligible for certification, programs must be able to answer “yes” to the following questions.
Does the mentoring program…

• Have a mission, goals and outcomes?
• Have a system of oversight (governance or advisory board) that includes clear rules and decision-making procedures and involves diverse representatives from appropriate constituencies?
• Require a written application for potential mentors?
• Conduct face-to-face interviews with potential mentors?
• Conduct reference checks and background checks as required for populations served?
• Have appropriate policies and procedures in compliance with all statutory requirements and regulatory bodies, including local, state, and federal governmental authorities?
• Have a defined, specific type(s) or category(ies) of mentoring to be offered (i.e., one-to-one, group, team, school-based, community-based, etc.)?
• Have a defined population to involve in the program?
• Provide an orientation to participants and volunteers?
• Have a risk management plan designed to ensure the safety of participants and have appropriate insurance coverage?

What to expect when you apply:
After you apply for Certification, you will be asked for written documentation to prove that you are in compliance with the items listed above.  Then we will set up a site visit at a mutually convenient time.

Application
Criteria Handout

Mentor program presentation
Our team will evaluate your program and presentation and provide feedback regarding any areas where improvement is required. Finally, we will present our findings to the Mentor Kenosha & Racine advisory committee for their approval and certification.
If you are involved with one of the approximately 25 mentoring programs in Kenosha and Racine, call 262.595.2604 to find out how to get support.