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FAQ

Have any other questions? Contact us at mdmentorcorps@umd.edu or (301) 314-7323

1. Can I still apply if I don't know my class schedule yet? 

Yes. Apply anyway and tell us what you do know – and then update us once it’s finalized. You can email your completed course schedule to mdmentorcorps@umd.edu. 

2. What if I don’t have a car?  How do I get to the school? 

You will travel with your team in a Maryland Mentor Corps van. In addition, some teams might have members who are willing to drive their own car and bring team members with them as well.

3. Where do I find the application?

Visit our Become a Mentor page to get the latest information on application deadlines and requirements. 

4. What happens after I submitted an application?

Once we have received and reviewed your application, we will send you an email to sign up for a mandatory info session.

5. What happens at the interview?

During the interview, we will ask about your availability, preference of the programs, relevant past experience, and a couple of scenario based questions to help us get to know you better. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the mentoring experience from current mentors.

6. When will I hear back from you after the info session?

Typically, you will receive a decision within two weeks after the info session, and if selected as a mentor, you will also receive your program placement and time. We may follow up with you by email with questions about your schedule and availability for mentoring.

7. This will be my first semester as an MMC mentor, is there some form of orientation to help me become familiar with the program?

If you are a new mentor, you are required to attend a new mentor info session in addition to your assigned program’s training sessions. During the new mentor info session, you will learn more about the values and goals of the Maryland Mentor Corps, information on expectations, as well as some background information about the programs. At your program’s training sessions, you will get to know your team leader(s) and members, and receive training on the specific knowledge and skills applicable to your assigned program.

1. What is a day in the life of an MRP mentor like?

Depending on your school placement, you will meet your team and leave from the LCSL office in the Stamp Student Union at either 7:30am or 8:00am on your scheduled mentoring day. Once your team has arrived at the school, you will work one on one with a total of two students, each for 40 minutes. During the 40 minutes with the student, you will engage him/her in literacy activities such as read aloud, word study activities, and writing. Then, you will return on campus by 10:30am or 11:00am.

2. Who do you work with in the Maryland Reading Program?

For MRP, you will be working one on one with two first or second grade students, depending on the school, for 40 minutes each day.

1. What is a day in the life of an MMP mentor like?

You will meet your team and leave the LCSL office in the Stamp Student Union at 2:00pm on your scheduled mentoring day. As a mentor, you will be assigned or have the ability to sign up for weekly responsibility such as taking the team crate, taking snack (located inside the LCSL office), or selecting and leading the “Center” for the day. Once your team has arrived at the school, you will be working with a group of three to five students and assist them with homework, engaging them in after homework math activity, snack time, and Center - which is a math oriented group activity that’s fun and exciting. You will return on campus by 5:00pm from your school. 

2. Who do you work with in the Maryland Math Program?

In MMP, you will be working with a small group of three to five 4th graders throughout the entire duration of the program. 

1. What is a day in the life of an MFLP mentor like?

As an MFLP Mentor, you will meet your team virtually through Zoom at 5:30pm. Once everyone in your team has arrived on the video call, you'll prepare for lessons and set up materials with your team. You will work one on one with a total of two students, each for 50 minutes. During the 50 minutes with the student, you will engage him/her in English conversation practice and activities that help with functional English language challenges, like scheduling appointments, visiting doctors, and other everyday tasks. At 8:00pm your team will reflect and have discussion about issues in education, and the session will end at 8:30pm.

2. Do you have to speak Spanish to join the Maryland Family Literacy Program?

The Maryland Family Literacy Program does not require its mentors to speak a second language in order to participate. 

1. How can I get paid for working with Maryland Mentor Corps? 

You can get paid for your work with the Maryland Mentor Corps via Federal Work Study (FWS) award, which is allocated as part of your Financial Aid award. You can check to see if you have received a Federal Work Study allocation by logging into your Financial Aid account. If you did not receive a FWS award, you may still be eligible. You can use the Federal Work Study appeal form to request FWS. 

2. What do I have to do in order to receive work study payment?

First, verify that you are eligible to receive federal work study by checking your financial aid offer at https://financialaid.umd.edu/my-finaid-account. If you ARE eligible, please include the award page in your application or email it to us later if it is not available at the time of applying. Once we receive your award letter, you will then be asked to attend one of the federal work study workshops to fill out the necessary paperwork before receiving payment for working as an MMC mentor.

3. What do I need to bring to the work study workshop?

You will need to bring 2 forms of government ID (valid, non-expired drivers license and social security card OR a valid, non-expired U.S. passport). You must bring originals of these documents - copies will not be accepted. You should also have you checking account number and bank routing number available (can be found on a check). Finally, if you are a non-US citizen Permanent Resident, please bring your Green Card in addition to everything else.

4. I am not eligible for Federal Work Study, what can I get instead for my work?

In addition to creating great memories and building amazing relationships with your mentees and your team, you can receive course or internship credit. The Maryland Mentor Corps can serve as a site for an internship you need or are able to complete for your academic program or major. 

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