Mentoring

• Make sure you ask lots of questions.  Mentors have a lot to teach you, but often don’t want to volunteer information.
• Find out about their education—where did they go to college, how long did they spend there, what degree did they earn, how has that benefitted them, etc.
• Find out about their career—did they always know what they wanted to do, how long have they worked where they work, would their job be interesting to you, etc.
• Maintain a professional relationship, but don’t be afraid to ask them for help in subjects that are stressing you out or advice for dealing with your education or career path.  They want to help.

• Ask how school is going for your mentee.  Feel free to offer useful advice if they have a problem.
• Ask about their education goals as they proceed through high school and into college.  Encourage them to sit down and write out their short term (i.e. getting A’s this semester, passing the next test in their hardest subject, keeping a more organized planner, etc) and long term (i.e. getting accepted to a specific university, finding a career that they will enjoy, graduating with honors, etc.) goals.  A helpful list of career paths can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics – Student Career Exploration.
• Supplement their goals with your experience.  Most people don’t know as a high school student what they want to do for the rest of their lives, so tell them how your career path goals changed over time (if applicable).
• Talk about things you did to succeed, along with what they’re doing well at this point in their education.  Figure out where they are in terms of graduating and either congratulate them on their progress or help them get to where they need to be.
• Try to find opportunities, if possible, to present your mentee with educational opportunities such as job shadows, workplace tours, and meeting with other professionals to discuss jobs.
• Ask about their current extra-curricular activities.  For example, tell them to look at everything they do outside of school that would look good on a college or job application.  Internships, clubs, and volunteer positions fit the bill.  If they don’t have enough of these things, help them get to a position where they can apply for or work towards them.

If you're ready to connect with a mentor, email jacob.savishinsky@highlineschools.org. We'll send you a Mentor Request Form in Adobe Sign, and begin the process of  pairing you with a mentor. While the mentor program targets sophomores, any interested student will be considered for the program.

The Mentee Handbook is a great resource to use as you work with your mentor throughout the school year.

• Learn in a real world work place experience beyond the classroom
• Be inspired and informed about your college and career aspirations!
• Make professional contacts and gain experience to strengthen your resume or application to top notch universities!

Getting Started

Your first step to becoming a mentor is to fill out our RAHS Mentor Application and the Highline School District’s Volunteer Application Disclosure Form in Adobe Sign.

Note: You can request a print copy of the paperwork by emailing jacob.savishinsky@highlineschools.org and send completed forms to: Raisbeck Aviation HS Career Readiness Program, 9229 E. Marginal Way South, Tukwila, WA 98108

• Your application is received and processed by RAHS Mentoring Office. Depending on volume, this process can take up to a week.
• The student mentee preference forms are reviewed by the mentoring program staff and a connection is made.
• Once a match has been made, your mentee(s) will receive a “Good News” email, notifying them that they’ve been assigned a mentor. This message will include your name/occupation and contact information. Mentors will be sent a copy of this message. However, it is the mentee/student’s responsibility to initiate communication and the first step in building your relationship. You should expect and email within a week of your Good News email.
• Once your mentee has made contact, you should discuss schedule and determine the best days and times to meet.