Minds Matter

Portland - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Minds Matter?
Chartered in 2006, Minds Matter of Portland, is a chapter of a New York based not-for-profit, educational organization that provides supplementary tutoring and mentoring for highly motivated, economically disadvantaged sophomore, junior, and senior high school students.

How does the program work?
Students are selected for the Minds Matter of Portland program through a rigorous selection process which includes a nomination by a teacher or counselor, completion of an application and essay, participating in a panel interview and demonstrating they have the willingness to commit to the programs structure and values. High school students are paired with dedicated mentors to receive instruction in writing, critical thinking, vocabulary, grammar, public affairs, and math. The curriculum also includes PSAT and SAT instruction, field trips, career days, College Prep experiences and debate.

Who provides instruction to these students?
Each student is paired with two young professional mentors from the Portland business, professional, and educational community. For the 2007-2008, Minds Matter had thirty one students, sixty two mentors, and a volunteer staff of over one hundred individuals focused on curriculum, administration, logistics, and fundraising. For the current 2008-2009 school year, Minds Matter of Portland has selected 16 new students who are guided by 32 new mentors.

Who are the mentors?
Minds Matter mentors are young, dedicated professionals who work with students two-on-one each week during the school year. Mentors guide students through the summer school and college selection and application processes, assist them with writing and test preparation assignments and accompany them on cultural field trips.

What's required to become a mentor?
Mentors make a significant investment of time and energy. Mentors enhance the students' awareness of life's options. Mentors must satisfy the following requirements:

Be a college graduate.
Attend the Saturday sessions (12:20 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.), except for school holidays and SAT/PSAT exam days, September through May of each school year. A 75% minimum attendance is expected. Mentors will team with one other mentor (co-mentor) and one student. They will provide their student with support, guidance, and friendship.
Be a good listener.
Pass a background check.
Have fun!

What else does Minds Matter do?
Minds Matter helps place sophomores and juniors in Summer College and prep school programs. Such programs bolster academic records, enhance personal aspirations and provide an introduction to the experience of attending college. Summer College and Prep tuition and travel expenses are paid for by Minds Matter of Portland.

For high school seniors, Minds Matter helps students apply to college and earn financial aid awards. This assistance includes school selection, essay writing, and navigating financial aid paperwork. Nationally, Minds Matter students have attended some of the country's top public and private colleges and universities including Cornell, Wesleyan, Amherst, Brown, USC, Northwestern and Harvard.

How is Minds Matter funded?
Minds Matter of Portland is 100% volunteer and supported by generous cash and in-kind donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donations are used to fund formal education and cultural activities. Donations also pay the travel expenses associated with the students' summer college prep programs.

Why Portland?
The Portland area is rich with many mentoring programs that serve "at risk" youth. Yet, few mentoring programs address the needs of talented students who lack the resources to realize their full potential. Minds Matter fills this need by providing a foundation of support, encouragement and academic enrichment for its students.

Minds Matter, Inc.
1120 Avenue of Americas
4th Floor
New York, NY 10036
info@mindsmatter.org
212.626.6584