WSC Mentors
Mentor Program
 Students and MentorsStudents and Mentors Mentors and Students

 

An integral part of the World Sport Chicago Scholarship is the Chicago Scholars mentoring program that students receive.  World Sport Chicago Scholars are paired with adult mentors and together, they navigate a year-long series of workshops that guide students and mentors through the college application process.  World Sport Chicago mentors support their students through the logistical and emotional challenges of applying to college and serve as positive role models for the WSC Scholars.  

Learn more about how you can become a World Sport Chicago Mentor!

 How It Works

2-3 WSC mentors are grouped with 6-8 WSC Scholars to form a cohort.  Cohorts attend workshops and other events together to learn about the college application process.  Workshops are hosted by Chicago Scholars provide cohorts orientation sessions, handbooks and the tools to successfully apply to college.

Mentors and Students

Workshops/events include:

  • College "Power Networking"
  • Tackling the College Application Essay
  • Understanding Athletes' College Admissions Process
  • Visiting a College Campus
  • Applying for Scholarships
  • Acing the College Interview and Beyond
  • Onsite Admissions Forum
  • Navigating Financial Aid Forms and Functions
  • And more!

Click here to see a tentative schedule of the 2011/2012 Mentoring Program.

 Why Be a Mentor?

Chicago Scholars’ mentoring program is a rewarding experience for both students and mentors. WSC mentors have had the opportunity to work with students who will be NCAA student-athletes, students who will attend the nation’s most prestigious universities and students who have overcome significant challenges and will be the first person in their family to attend a four-year university.  We have seen students blossom in the program and completely transform into confident, driven students who are determined to not only attend college, but to succeed in college. 

2010 WSC Mentor, Randy Wostratzky's Experience: 

Randy Wostratzky, 2010 WSC mentor"Sports and education are two things that I have always valued very highly in my life.  By becoming part of the World Sport Chicago mentoring program, I got to work closely with students who had academic and athletic backgrounds that seemed very similar to my own.  I was able to provide these scholars with insights into some of my experiences in high school regarding how I balanced sports and the classroom; and was able to tell them how this balance helped me manage my schedule and responsibilities when I was in college.”

2010 WSC Mentor, Brette Bensinger's Experience: 

Brette Bensinger (far right) and Students"This opportunity particularly appealed to me because I would be working directly with students in Chicago's school system, learning first hand about the challenges and issues they face on a day to day basis.  In my mentoring group, I was able to connect with the students on a personal level and they were so interested in finding out about both my college experience and about how I went about building the bridge into the adult world.   I enjoyed working with the students from assisting in selecting potential colleges, to brainstorming essay topics, to editing essays and helping them make decisions about the school that would be the "right fit" for them.  The students in my group were all so wide-eyed, motivated  and had such unique talents.  Reaching back to work with the high school students was rewarding and taught me how encouragement can make such a difference in their lives.  The program was very well run and worked very smoothly, which is helpful with hectic schedules."

 Who Are WSC Mentors?

Mentors

WSC mentors are adults who are interested in working with college-bound student-athletes and can commit to attending workshops and supporting their students from May 2012 – June 2013.  Mentors are not expected to be college counselors or college experts, but rather “college consultants;” they listen to the students, answer questions and provide input based on their own collegiate experiences. 

Many of the current WSC mentors were originally members of Chicago 2016's Next Generation Leadership Advisory Council and actively supported Chicago's Olympic and Paralympic Bid.  Now as mentors, they are able to continue to work within Chicago's athletic community and make a difference in the lives of young student-athletes. WSC is looking for similarly motivated and passionate Chicagoans to help us mentor the incoming class of WSC Scholars.

 Expectations of WSC Mentors
  • Commit to the year-long program. 

  • Attend workshops and events.  Most sessions are on Saturdays for a few hours – the most intensive part of the program is during the summer as students prepare to submit their college applications in September.  Cohorts are also encouraged to meet outside of workshops.
  • Assist students with questions they may have, review personal statements and applications and provide general support for the students.
  • Communicate with scholars and with World Sport Chicago/Chicago Scholars via phone, email and/or text messaging.
  • Consent to a background check to ensure the safety of the WSC Scholars.
 Contact Info

To apply or to find out more information about the program, please contact Stephanie Miller at smiller@worldsportchicago.org or (312) 861-4946.

Get involved. Sign-up to volunteer or check for new volunteer postings here.

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