Become a Mentor

Are you interested in mentoring a high school senior through the college application process?

Mentors have a powerful, lasting impact on our students. In fact, GUIDES (Gearing Up Individuals to Drive for Educational Success) mentors serve one of the more crucial roles in our students’ march to college.

Applications for the 2026 – 2027 school year are currently open.

2026 – 2027 Application (New GUIDES Only)
* 2026 – 2027 Application (Returning GUIDES Only)

Important Dates

Dates to Know

In-Person Training

Monday, October 12, 2026 (6 pm – 8 pm)

Virtual Training Session:

October 12, 2026 (6 pm)

October 13, 2026 (6 pm)

You will only need to attend one training session.

Meet & Greet Session: 

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 (6 pm – 8 pm)

Decision Day Celebration:

Thursday, April 29, 2027

GUIDES Mentors

GUIDES mentors assist PFF high school seniors with the college, financial aid, and scholarship application processes; processes that can sometimes seem overwhelming to students, especially those who are striving to be the first in their family to attend colleges. A mentor works with one or two students at a time, meeting on a monthly basis with each mentee over the course of seven months and communicating with each mentee weekly.

Mentors support students with managing the details of the applications and ensuring that all of the necessary information is complete and delivered on time. They also can attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events.

GUIDES Mentor Role

  • Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship.
  • Serve as a positive role model and friend.
  • Strive for mutual respect.
  • Build self-esteem and motivation.
  • Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them.
  • Be a willing listener who is encouraging and supportive.
  • Communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities.

Mentor Benefits

  • Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals.
  • Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals.
  • Training sessions and group activities.
  • Participation in a mentor support group.
  • Mileage and expenses are tax deductible.
  • Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed.
  • Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, and participant recognition events.

GUIDES Mentoring FAQs

How do I sign up?

Submit a completed application electronically.

If I mentored in the past two years, do I have to re-submit an application?

Yes, you’ll need to submit a shorter returning GUIDES application. Click here to submit (Returning GUIDES ONLY)

How do we submit our monthly reports?

Reports are submitted through Google Forms.

How long are the trainings?

The initial GUIDES training is a minimum two hours. Partnership for the Future will facilitate the trainings.

If I mentored in previous years do I have to attend the training this year?

Yes, please plan to attend a training this year. It’s a good refresher, and returning mentors bring valuable experience and insight to share with new mentors.

I cannot make any of the scheduled training sessions. What should I do? 

PFF wants every mentor to feel trained and prepared before working with our students. We ask that you attend the organization-wide training plus at least one additional training session in the Spring. If none of the scheduled dates or times work for you, reach out to Jazmin.Brown@pffva.org.

Do I have to pay for the Criminal History Check?

No — PFF covers the cost. If you’d rather cover it yourself, just let us know and we can arrange that.

Will I get to meet the student(s) before working with them?

Yes, students and mentors will meet in person at the scheduled Meet and Greet.

If I’m assigned two students, do I meet with them together or separately?

You can meet with both at the same time during the scheduled monthly Application Working Sessions if that’s easier. Being paired with two students has its perks, too — peer motivation can go a long way.

I can’t attend the Meet and Greet. What should I do?

The Meet and Greet is the only time PFF brings all Level 4 students together in one room before the Application Working Sessions start, so we ask every mentor to attend before the first session in October. If the scheduled time doesn’t work for you, reach out to Jazmin.Brown@pffva.org.

I cannot make all of the monthly Application Working Sessions from October-April. What should I do?

Don’t worry! You can still participate! There will be certain scheduled Application Working Sessions that PFF Students cannot make either (due to sports, extra-curricular activities, church, etc.). If a PFF Student and/or a Mentor cannot make a scheduled Application Working Session, they can re-schedule, that same month, at a convenient time and location that is computer accessible (i.e. after school hours and at a local library, high school, etc.).

For More Information Contact:

Jazmin Brown
Jazmin.Brown@pffva.org