Mentorship Application

The St. Mary's Alumnae Council has developed a mentorship program whereby interested local St. Mary's alumnae are matched with St. Mary's sophomores or juniors for the purpose of offering the student guidance, encouragement, career exploration, real life experience, among other things that only an adult mentor can provide.

Meet Your Mentor Night
The alumnae council hosts a casual reception at St. Mary's to introduce students and their parents to their mentors. This event is scheduled each October in the student commons.

Are you an alumna who wants to be a mentor?
If you are a local alumna who is interested in joining the mentorship program, download the application (see above) and fax it to (503) 223-0995 or mail it to St. Mary's Academy Alumnae Office; 1615 S.W. Fifth Avenue; Portland, OR 97201. If you prefer, respond to this questionnaire via email.

The first phase of the mentorship program is the application/questionnaire given to both students and alumnae in early fall each year. This questionnaire assesses strengths, interests and expertise. The Alumnae Council reviews all applications and matches students with mentors. Mentors are chosen and assigned students. When background checks are completed mentors are invited to a training session and to Meet Your Mentor Night.

After that, the mentor and the student structure a meeting schedule that is beneficial to both participants.

The program is designed to allow participants to structure a relationship that is convenient for both the busy schedule of our mentors and students. The recommended contact is at least one two-hour meeting per month until the end of the school year. Mentors are required to pass a background check provided by St. Mary's as a precautionary measure. Mentors also must attend a brief awareness training. After that, the program becomes what the participants make it.

An awareness training session will be scheduled for our mentors, related to mental and physical health issues that could arise with your student during the year. This brief informational session is required for all mentors.

If you have any questions or need for information please contact the St. Mary's Academy Alumnae Department at (503) 721-7751.

Quotes from Students

• "I gained insight into the person I could someday be and achieve."
• "She (my mentor) gave me a new perspective on things."
• "My mentor was such a great positive influence on me.  I got a lot of support, and she is a great listener."
• "She (my mentor) provided insight on how St. Mary’s impacts a person after graduation."
• "Friendship, guidance, inspiration"
• "We talk about careers, guys, school, sports, anything."
• "I can tell her anything.  She tells me things...and I ask her a lot."
• "I learned about interior design, business, and being an adult."

Quotes from Mentors

"I thought the mentorship program was a great idea.  At first I had a hard time figuring out my “role” and wished I could develop a bond faster but found a place just listening lots and trying to give her positive comments to help her.  I found how fragile high school students are underneath the tough exterior."

"This experience helped me remember what it was like to be her age and all the unique situations of that time.  I think it gave me a fresh perspective on life."

"She is an inspiring person.  Her youth reminds me of the experience I’ve gained in life- from just living and working – so I feel I something to give in my own way.  She makes me laugh – and I love hearing about how she lives her life and what the high school experience is like for her."

"I remembered what it was like to be 17 and making choices."

"It's great to feel her energy and ambition.  She inspired me." 

"We went to the art museum, had coffee or lunch, but we mostly met to talk."