SUMMIT, NJ — Student/Partner Alliance (S/PA), a Summit-based non-profit, is seeking volunteers to serve as Mentors for its newest class of scholarship recipients. This year, S/PA has welcomed 60 students into its Class of 2030. These are motivated young people attending private, college-preparatory high schools in New Jersey's urban communities across Essex, Hudson, and Union counties.
(Watch a video about being a Mentor here)
S/PA's mission is to support these students with tuition assistance and mentoring, increasing their chances for college admission and scholarships, and ultimately helping them lead successful and productive lives.
Scholarships have been awarded to students at five area high schools:
What does a Mentor do?
A Mentor is a trusted, experienced individual who makes a four-year commitment to provide coaching and advice to one student throughout their high school years. Mentors are not expected to arrive with all the answers. S/PA provides mentor training, resources, and ongoing staff support to set every volunteer up for success.
Throughout the academic year, S/PA brings Mentors and students together through a variety of group events. This past year, participants shared breakfasts and lunches at the schools, went on group field trips to the Liberty Science Center, celebrated at a winter party, attended a career fair, and joined virtual sessions on college planning, everyday banking, and resume building.
You can learn more about the organization and mentoring at studentpartneralliance.org.
Questions about becoming a Mentor? Contact Kristin Shannon at kshannon@studentpartneralliance.org or apply directly via the Mentor Application Form. Approved Mentors will be matched with a student this August, ahead of the 2026/2027 school year.
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