One-on-One Mentoring Program

The DSABC One-on-One Mentoring Program is a school based program that matches a supportive and caring adult who assists students to succeed in school by developing a one-on-one relationship. Mentors serve as a positive adult role model providing moral support and encouragement. The objective of the mentor program is to improve academic performance, attendance, behavior, attitude toward school, and most importantly, self-esteem and motivation. The long-term goal is dropout prevention.

The One-on-One Mentoring Program uses adult volunteers to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least one school year. By becoming part of the school network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help students develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals. Mentors and students engage in a variety of activities including, but not limited to, playing games, working on academic assignments, setting goals or simply talking, listening and sharing experiences. The mentor works with school staff to provide extra support, encouragement and attention to help the student achieve his or her potential.

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What do Mentors Do?

Engage in a one-on-one relationship with a student, offering support and guidance

Act as a friend, confidant and positive adult role model

Meet with their mentee weekly for one hour at school

Spend time playing games, reading, talking, listening and helping with academics

How do I Become a Mentor?

DSABC requires that new mentors complete an online application along with forms to authorize a criminal background check and DCF search and attend a one-hour training session. Mentors are assigned to a school based on their preference for grade level, proximity to work/home and need.

Mentor Application Forms

Application to become a mentor

Authorization and consent to release information

DCF Authorization for release of information

WorkPlace Learning e-Mentoring Program

The WorkPlace Learning e-Mentoring Program matches an industry mentor with students enrolled in the Early College Opportunity Program (Danbury ECO) at Danbury High School. Danbury ECO is designed to provide participating students with opportunities to prepare for postsecondary education and career readiness. Students enrolled in the program can earn college credits, and students who graduate from Danbury ECO will not only earn a high school diploma but an associate degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College.

Mentors provide guidance and advice on developing workplace skills and collaborate on assigned activities via an online platform, IBM’s MentorPlace, and several face to face group meetings throughout the school year. The long-term goal is for students to obtain internships and enter the workforce with the necessary skills for success.

What do e-Mentors Do?

Engage with one to four students enrolled in the Danbury ECO program

Complete online activities with students and provide constructive feedback on their responses

Support the refinement of workplace skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, and creativity

How do I Become an e-Mentor?

DSABC requires that new e-mentors complete an online application along with forms to authorize a criminal background check and DCF search and view a training webinar.

Mentor Application Forms

Application to become a mentor

Authorization and consent to release information

DCF Authorization for release of information

Scholarship Program

DSABC presents a scholarship to students participating in the One-on-One Mentor Program upon high school graduation. The scholarship can be applied to any post-secondary educational pursuit and is renewable for up to three years. Since its inception in 1997, DSABC has presented 217 students with $374,000 in scholarship. Students have used the DSABC scholarships at a variety of schools including:

Internship Program

The Internship Program identifies opportunities for students enrolled in the Early College Opportunity Program (Danbury ECO) to incorporate general business skills or a specialization in technology as an intern. Students gain valuable workplace skills while businesses and community organizations equip them with the necessary tools for success in the workplace and beyond.

While the students will be gaining valuable experience, businesses and community organizations will benefit as well. They will be engaging with students in the community and have the opportunity to develop their future workforce.

Students have successfully completed internships at a number of companies and agencies including: