Would you like to support the success of local high school students? You can do that by becoming a mentor through the New York State Mentoring program!

The New York State Mentoring Program is an initiative of Governor Andrew Cuomo and chaired pro-bono by Founder, Matilda Raffa Cuomo. The program partners with schools, faith-based institutions and community-based organizations serving youth in New York State. NYSMP is a one-to-one mentoring program that meets weekly from October to June.

The program is a student-led program focusing on both academic and social-emotional development. NYSMP offers session activities designed to challenge the students in a fun and manageable way.

Topics include: 1) Goal Setting, 2) Health Life Choices, 3) Good Citizenship and 4) Leadership skills among others. The program takes a “whole” child approach and prepares our mentors to meet the child where they are at providing personal support.

NYSMP is launching a mentoring program in Elmsford in partnership with Alexander Hamilton High School to provide additional support in the form of mentoring to their student body. NYSMP is looking to find adults with a strong desire to support students and community in Elmsford/Greenburgh and who are interested in making a difference in the lives of young men and women.

If you are interested, here are the steps to take:

1. Fill out an application
2. All mentors will have to be trained prior to starting the program. For those who have been trained previously, we are offering a New Mentor Training refresher. This training will include elements of “goal-setting with your mentee” and “utilizing a growth mindset.”
3. Complete the screening process (includes fingerprinting).