FAQ
Q.
What is Project S.M.I.L.E.?
A. Project S.M.I.L.E., which stands for Spreading
Multiculturalism and Inspiring Leadership through Education, is
the largest student-run mentoring organization in the Berkeley Unified
school district.
Q.
What is the time commitment?
A. Each mentor is required to mentor twice a week
(Monday through Friday, you pick any two days that best fit your
schedule). We leave UC Berkeley at 3:10 and you should arrive back
to your apartment or campus by 5:30. In addition to bi-weekly mentoring,
there are also weekend events that we highly encourage you to attend
along with a one Saturday or mentor training.
Q.
What can I get out of this?
A. There is so much to gain by being a Project
S.M.I.L.E. mentor. It can be completely voluntary or you can earn
1-3 units (if you take the seminar). You also gain the feeling of
knowing that you have made a lasting impact on a child’s life.
Not only will you contribute much to another’s life, you will
also learn so much from your mentee in return. The relationships
that you will make from Project S.M.I.L.E go beyond just of that
with your mentee. You also meet a great group of students at Cal
through mentor bonding events throughout the semester.
Q.
Whom does Project S.M.I.L.E. mentor?
A. Project S.M.I.L.E. mentors students at Longfellow
Middle School, which includes grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. The students
that we mentor are enrolled in the Extended Day Program at Longfellow.
All of the students that we mentor must apply and be accepted to
Project S.M.I.L.E. Some of the mentees may have difficulties in
school, but not all fall under this description.
Q.
How would I get to Longfellow Middle School or any of the weekend
events?
A. Transportation is provided for ALL events ?
During the week for mentoring at Longfellow, we meet at 3:10 at
Sproul Parking Lot, and we leave Longfellow at 5pm. For weekend
events, transportation will be coordinated.
Q.
What do you do if you can’t show up to mentoring at Longfellow?
A. If you are ever unable to mentor on any of your
designated days you need to contact a board member and your contact person
(to whom you will be assigned). You need to let them know 24 hours
in advance so any necessary arrangements can be made. Please always
try and make it to the days you are scheduled to mentor because
your mentee is counting on you, and it is always sad to see how
devastated they are if let down.
Q.
Are all of the events mandatory?
A. We understand the life of a college student,
and realize that unexpected circumstances may arise. It is strongly
encouraged that you attend all events, but all we expect is that
you put your best effort forth. As a mentor, your mentee will be
looking up to you, and it is discouraging to them if they are consistently
let down.
Q.
How long does the program last?
A. Project S.M.I.L.E. runs on a semester basis.
As a mentor for Project S.M.I.L.E., it is a semester-long commitment.
MORE Questions?
Contact the SMILE Coordinator
or Site Manager |
