Mentoring Program FAQs
How is Feinberg School of Medicine connected to Senn High School?
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Family Medicine has a community service partnership with Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, a non-profit service based human rights organization founded in 1888. Heartland Alliance manages a school based health center located in Nicholas Senn High School in Edgewater (about 8 miles north of the Chicago loop).
How do I get to Senn?
Senn High School is located at 5900 N. Glenwood in Edgewater. Senn is about a 5-10 minute walk from the red line Bryn Mawr or Thorndale stop (about 30 minutes from the Chicago stop). Edgewater is one of Chicago's most economically and culturally diverse neighborhoods. Senn students come from more than 65 different countries making it one of the most diverse high schools in Chicago.
What are the mentoring program's goals?
This mentoring program matches Feinberg students with high school students interested in health science careers in a one year, one-to-one, school-based mentoring program at Senn High School. The mentoring program’s general goal is to connect Feinberg students with high school students interested in science to provide positive career direction and robust health information to supplement high school and school-based clinic health curricula.
What are general mentor requirements?
1. Demonstrate interest in a community service project.
2. Articulate an interest regarding working with high school students.
3. Set aside time for mentoring and preparation.
When are applications due?
Mentor applications will be due Monday, September 22nd, 2008 at noon and we will notify mentors and choose mentors pairs that week. Please note that the application process is not selective, it is only to determine interests and availability.
Is there a mentor orientation?
Yes, mentor orientation will be scheduled in late September or early October.
When do I start mentoring and where do I meet my mentor pair?
Mentors will start working with Senn high school students sometime in mid-October. The first mentoring session in mid-October will be a structured meet and greet with Senn teachers and Northwestern representatives. Mentors are expected to meet AT SENN HIGH SCHOOL with their Senn student twice a month. Between mentoring sessions, mentors should attempt to call or email their student to touch base (some students will not have easy phone or internet access so this is not a requirement).
Who are the Senn students?
Senn students are members of the Chicago Public Schools Advancing Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, a program for students interested in college but who have some academic challenges. The AVID teacher at Senn, Chanel Grayson, will be available to answer questions and help solve any challenges.
How long does the mentoring program last?
Mentoring will occur twice a month at Senn from October to May (roughly) with a holiday break. Scheduling will be completely up to the mentor and the Senn student after the initial meet and greet.
How can I apply to become a mentor?
Click here to download an application.