Hello everyone,

I'm writing because we are still recruiting e-mentors for our afterschool program, Teen Technology Network, for a ten-week cycle that runs from April 19-June 21. This is a program providing remedial assistance, access to technology-related service learning projects, college and career building activities, and e-mentors to high school students residing in West Philadelphia.

Please note that e-mentoring is just that - mentoring a teen electronically; in this case, through IBM's Mentorplace (http://www.mentorplace.org). This e-mentoring program is not time-consuming, but the little that you dedicate can make a considerable difference in a teen's life.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Ben Bruening at benjaminb@uwsepa.org or (215) 665-2572. There is a mandatory orientation to attend on one of two days - Wednesday, April 14 from 5:30-7:30 at People's Emergency Center, located at 325 N. 39th St. (at 39th St. by Baring and Powelton). An orientation is also taking place on Thursday, April 15, same time and place.

Below is information on the program. The same information can be found on http://www.volunteerway.org. Just type in "Teen Technology Network" in the search field.

Thank you and take care!

Lorelei

Volunteer Description

Title: Teen Technology Mentor

Who We Are Looking For:
Responsible, committed adult ages 18+ who is either employed or a college student (or both). Individual must have an interest in working with high school students and must have access to the internet.

Length of Service: one or more of the following timeframes:
Cycle 2: April 19th - June 21st
Cycle 3: July 5th - September 6th

Commitment to Service:
· Email interaction with mentee for a minimum of two times per week through IBM’s MentorPlace software (http://www.mentorplace.org/WhatIs.htm). Training on software will be provided.
· Commitment to reply to mentee’s additional questions or comments via email
· Attendance in two events – introduction to mentees and program closing celebration
· Attendance in mentor orientation
· Invitation for mentee to visit mentor’s workplace (if s/he is employed) or school (if s/he is a student) to relate school and the TTN program to real-life career goals

Service Incentives:
· Mentor will receive a certificate of service and will be recognized in the program closing celebration.
· Mentor will have the opportunity to continue serving program if s/he wishes.

Location of Service:

Mentor orientation:
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Introduction to mentees:
People’s Emergency Center
325 N. 39th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4656

Program closing celebration (location TBD)

Teen Technology Network Mentor
The Teen Technology Network (TTN) is a one year project whose lead partners include United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the School District of Philadelphia, People’s Emergency Center, AchieveAbility, and One Economy Corporation.

The project will serve a total of 100 9th to 12th grade students enrolled at University City and West Philadelphia High Schools, with students divided into groups that join two separate 10-week modules.

Intensive instructional engagement using multiple media made accessible in school, in the Community Technology Center (CTC), and in the home is the foundation of the project. Beyond the classroom instruction, each student will participate in information technology instruction as part of the regular instruction and after school programming. At University High School, students are engaged in a computer repair program. At West Philadelphia High School, students are engaged in a web design and business management curriculum. Leveraging their interest in technology, we are connecting students to service learning activities, mentors, and additional instruction and skills reinforcement in their neighborhood CTC. Once school and after-school activities are complete, students will be able to access school district and CTC software and resources from home through providing wireless, Internet-ready computers to student participants.

Mentors will be assigned to one high school student and asked to take an active role in providing students with guidance and encouragement while students are engaged in the following after-school activities:

· Use of Kaplan remedial software to aid in math and reading skills
· ICDL training (International Computer Drivers License – demonstrates basic proficiency in desktop applications)
· Technology-related service learning projects involving web design, content development for websites, and computer repair/troubleshooting.

Mentors do not necessarily have to be tech-savvy but must demonstrate a commitment and interest in encouraging students to successfully complete the ten-week module. The program design described above will be explained in more detail at the mandatory mentor orientation.
Please email a paragraph to Benjamin Bruening at benjaminb@uwsepa.org that describes your interest in this fulfilling volunteer opportunity, or contact Benjamin with any questions at 215 665 2572.