Portland - Our Students

Diverse, highly motivated and very intelligent are just some of the words that describe the talented teens who comprise Minds Matter mentees. The philosophy of the organization, since its founding eleven years ago in New York City, has been to assist bright students who have the desire, drive and ability to pursue higher education, but lack adequate financial resources and field of vision to achieve this goal.
 
Many of the students are first generation college-bound students who come from supportive, often single parent families. Many of these families speak a foreign language in the home. Beginning in May of each year, Minds Matter asks guidance counselors and teachers from Portland area high schools to recommend bright, motivated, and deserving sophomores and juniors to apply to be mentees. Portland Public Schools are supportive of the Minds Matter model because it supplements the educational experience of its highly motivated students and reinforces the importance of education by providing role models for the student body. To qualify for admission, each student must have at least a B+ grade point average, complete an admissions essay and application, obtain letters of recommendation from his or her counselors and teachers, and participate in a 15-minute interview. Family income of a Minds Matter mentee averages less than $23,000/year.
 
Each Minds Matter mentee is paired with two mentors who will work with the mentee until the mentee graduates from high school.
 
What the students are saying about Minds Matter:
 
"Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I will continue to work on my writing." - Vivian.
 
"I used what I learned from the Minds Matter sessions to write a paper for my English class and got a top grade." - Marissa
 
For more information about our students and selection process, please contact Roberta and Matt Cohen, Co-Directors of Mentees, MAC8166@aol.com.
 
The following documents will aid you in your application process:
 
Application Checklist
 
Counselor's Letter
 
Counselor Nomination Form
 
Student Application Form
 
Parent's Form
 
Teacher's Letter
 
Teacher Nomination Form